Thought Life
There are so many situations in life that cause us to feel overwhelmed and stressed; our jobs, household responsibilities, paying bills, and keeping up with all the schedules... You name it, we worry about it.
Then, add in the stress that comes along with being a parent of a child with special needs… and quite honestly, it can become overwhelming.
Our thoughts can start to swirl with all of the “What- ifs” and fears of the future. If we are not careful, our thoughts can start to spiral out of control.
What we focus on or dwell on is what will grow, whether they are positive and life giving thoughts or negative and destructive thoughts.
Psalm 139: 23 says…
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Where are your thoughts right now? What are you thinking about? Are your thoughts causing you to feel overwhelmed when you look at your life? What story are you telling yourself about your life?
All throughout His word, God gives us scriptures to teach us how to refocus our thoughts and to reframe our circumstances through His truths. We can renew our mind by meditating on the word of God. Romans 12:2 tells us that God can transform us into a new person by changing the way we think.
So let’s ask Him to do that now.
Father God,
My thoughts often start to spin out of control. I become fearful when I look at the future. I feel overwhelmed by my life as a parent of a child with special needs. Please transform me into a new person by changing the way I think.
We live in a world with so many distractions that try to steal our peace and joy. We see things on the news or on social media that cause us to become fearful or angry.
But Philippians 4:8 helps us to know what we need to think about. It says…
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Pray with me…
Father God, help me to fix my thoughts on what is true and honorable, right and pure, and lovely and admirable. I choose to think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
When your life feels chaotic and out of control, call to mind Isaiah 26:3 which says… You will keep in perfect peace, All who trust in you, All whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Pray with me…
LORD, I choose to fix my thoughts on you. When my thoughts start to race with all of the “What ifs” and cares and concerns of this life,
I will trust in you. I will fix my thoughts on you and your truths.
There are so many decisions that we have to make each day as we care for our child with special needs. We often don’t know what is best or which direction to go. The stress of the pressures we face with trying to decide what is best for our children is huge.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you what path to take.
Prayer with me…
Father God,
Thank you that you will show me the path I am to take. That you will help me know what is best for my child. Lord, when my thoughts are reeling I will recall your truths and I will trust in you with all my heart.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
This blog is also published as an audio clip on the Respite for Your Mind tab on our App. You can find this and other encouraging messages from our team there. You can download our app by clicking https://subsplash.com/risingaboveministries/app.
About the Author:
Becky Davidson, Co-founder & President of Rising Above Ministries
Becky and her late husband, Jeff, co-founded Rising Above Ministries in 2005. They were inspired by the life of their son, Jon Alex and motivated by the realization of how underserved the special-needs community truly is. Becky considers it her joy and honor to be raising Jon Alex despite his challenges and trials. She has a passion for supporting and encouraging moms of children with special needs and developing ministries for the whole family.