Our brains are powerful. They can be a theatre where we dream. Where we imagine. Where we remember.
They can also be a place where we go over and over again the words that someone said. Or where we plot.
She should get what she deserves.
How much of our thought life do we spend devoted to bitterness over the words or actions of another?
All this week we’ve been taking a deeper look at conlict, and how to resolve it — or at least find peace on our side.
And one way is to recognize how our thought life can keep conflict broiling, even if no one else is still engaging.
Instead of envisioning revenge or going over and over the wrong, what might happen if you devote that same time to imagining a just outcome and began to work toward that outcome?
Father, I pray for is healing.
Lord, I ask that we just stop fighting.
God, help me to see her side of this.
Envisioning a “just” outcome means that if you are the injured party, you might start praying for an apology and a fresh start. Or for compromise as you hear her thoughts and feelings, and she hears yours. Or even better, ask God to step in and create an outcome that you might not be able to dream of yet.
Again, we can’t make someone else change, but this frees your thought life to expect better things. To act, respond, and react with that prayer in mind. And if that is the only thing you receive, it’s a huge gift.
To live free: Envision a just outcome
Scripture: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Phil 4:8 NIV)
Just You and God: Give God your thought life today. Ask Him to show you those places, those times, that you devote to anger or bitterness, which only lead you to places you don’t want to go.
