d w e l l

Relationships can be complicated.

We all know this. And recently, I found myself in a bout of relational frustration. Here's why.

Sometimes, as humans, we find ourselves projecting silent (and sometimes not so silent) expectations on others. You know what I mean. Those times when you find yourself wishing he'd just do this or that she wouldn't do that. And when those expectations aren't met... well, it hurts. It isn't always easy to see things from another's perspective.

In the midst of this, I wish that I could tell you that I happily trusted God and went about my business, never-mind the actions or inaction of any other party. But that was not the case.

This is something I am not proud to say, but I found myself DWELLING in a place of unhappiness, frustration, and bitterness. It was stealing joy out of more than one area in my life.

Thankfully, though, the Spirit swooped in and wrapped his wisdom and love around me, pulling me up from the pits of my own disappointment in a moment's time, like only He can. This is what I felt Him say:

You can't control other people- not what they say, not what they do, nor what they DON'T say or do. What you CAN control are the thoughts that you choose to let occupy your mind.

In that moment, it occurred to me that I was dwelling on this particular situation, despite of all of the goodness in my life. This is powerful. We are capable of choosing what words, situations, and feelings we dwell on in our minds and hearts.
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You can choose to dwell on the things that you don't have and the things you wish were different, or you can choose to focus your thoughts on all of the good that is already abundant in your life.

You can dwell on the hurt and the confusion, or you can dwell on the joy around you.

​You can focus your thoughts on this one negative situation, or you can harness the power of a positive mentality and make the most of your present reality.

In a moment, God reminded me that I can choose what to focus on. 
I can think upon disappointments, or I can harness my thoughts and make them obedient to the will of God. 
"Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy - think on such things." Philippians 4:8