Put it Away!
By Susan Klein
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)
My mother used to caution me, “don’t dwell on it,” when my mind would get consumed with an unpleasant or unhealthy thought. I find myself repeating that very sentiment to my own daughter on occasion now. For some of us, it can be all too easy to “dwell.”
Not all dwelling is bad. Sometimes we focus heavily on a situation as our minds try to creatively come up with a plausible solution. The kind of dwelling (remaining or resting in, making a habit) that wreaks havoc in our lives is the kind that is destructive to our well-being. Have you ever given too much thought to how others might view you? Have you ever worried about a potential situation that hasn’t even occurred yet? Maybe you’ve dwelled on something that is completely and knowingly out of your control. And where does that type of dwelling usually lead us? Into the enemy’s pit of despair.
Some people venture to say that “dwelling” or “worry,” is a lack of faith. Others even dub it “sin.” While this certainly might ring true in some cases, I believe dwelling can also be a triggered response our brain has to certain stimuli. Maybe past fearful or hurtful experiences are leading us to worry about a present situation that evokes those same feelings. Certain emotional disorders can also lead to dwelling in unhealthy places. Much of the time though, it’s our choice or habit that leads to dwelling on wrong thoughts. So what do we do when the temptation arises?
First, admit that we aren’t God and we can’t have His control. It’s really okay to not be in control! Let God carry the weight of that huge burden. Secondly, we don’t just ignore the issue. We are human, and our thoughts are going to go to wrong places whether we want them to or not. Give yourself permission to think about the negative thought, even voice it to another - - just once though, pray about it, then put it away!Liken it to a dirty plate. Once it’s put in the dishwasher, you don’t take it out again and keep using it. Put it in, and leave it there.
Lastly, and most importantly, we choose to find a healthy place for our thoughts to dwell...we get a clean plate. Dwell on God’s Word in our heart and mind [1], abide in God’s promised love [2], rest in the security that we will not be abandoned by our loving Father[3].
GOING DEEPER:
1. What wrong thoughts might you easily succumb to dwelling on?
2. How can you put them to rest, once and for all?
FURTHER READING:
[1] Deuteronomy 11:18; [2] John 15:9; [3] Psalm 16:9-10
Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.
