Monday, December 1, 2008

Imagination

Our imaginations are extremely powerful. You may be thinking that you are not an imaginative person, but, we are ALL imaginative. I don't use the word imagine in the sense of dreaming up ideas outside of reality; but in the sense that we have the ability to imagine. We all see life through the pictures and images that are created in our minds.

Think about this for a moment, as you read the following words, do so slowly, think about each one and notice what happens in your mind: church, dog, house, Bible, man. As you read each word I will bet you imagined in your mind a picture of a familiar church, a familiar dog, house, Bible or man.

As in this example, we readily create images or scenes in our minds based on information that we have already stored. The question is, are we using our imaginations according to the Word of God? Are our minds renewed to the point of instinctively imagining the best?

For example, if you find out that you are being let go from your current employment position, do you automatically paint a picture in your mind of having no money, not being able to pay your bills, or having a problem finding another position that will meet your needs? Or, is the picture you paint an image of God providing for you in the most amazing ways, while guiding you to an even better job where you will be able to have an even bigger impact on the world with His love?

We also imagine what others think and feel about us as well. We so often allow our imaginations to run wild with accusations toward others. Here are a few examples. A friend doesn't called us back, and we begin to imagine that she/he is mad or does not care, etc... We notice two friends laughing and joking and we begin to imagine that they are laughing and joking about us. We meet a new person and think "I don't think he/she likes me." All of this is based on nothing but negative imagination. We feed these thoughts with more thoughts, and before we know it, we are offended and holding offense against others based on no truth at all.


"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Philippians 4:8


We should not be assuming the worst, as in the above examples. What we should be doing is assuming that all is well, unless we are told otherwise. We must learn to not allow our "thinker" to tell us that we are not liked or looked upon with favor. These are lies from the enemy that are intended to bring us down and plant doubt in our hearts about who we are in Jesus. A friend of mine said it something like this "I know that the purpose of my life is for God to show others His promises through me." (Thanks Jen :)

If we want to walk in the abundant life Jesus died for us to have it is imperative that we think according to God's truth. learning to think like God, will enable us to live in the peace that Jesus gave us. We worship an amazing God who loves us beyond what our imaginations can comprehend. What problem or situation could possibly be "BIG" when it is placed in the shadow of the Almighty God?

So, the next time we find ourselves "imagining" lets ask God to help us place our imagination in His very big shadow.

Lets Talk Grace! What are your thoughts on imagination? Do you have any stories to share about a time when your imagination caused you to think thoughts that were not true? Lets Talk Grace!

6 comments:

Cheri Bunch said...

Well said!!!!

"What problem or situation could possibly be "BIG" when it is placed in the shadow of the Almighty God?

So, the next time we find ourselves "imagining" lets ask God to help us place our imagination in His very big shadow."

I LOVE this part!

There have been times when my negative imagination has tried to destroy me! Your post so eloquently testifies truth! I need to come back to this one again and again!

Thank you for sharing!

Blessings,
Cheri

Anonymous said...

Thanks Daveda, this concept is such a blessing. Last night I felt like I was coming down with a cold. (Can you get those over the phone? J/K) Matt and I are leaving today for our weekend away and I started to imagine a miserable weekend instead of the relaxing, fun one I had hoped to have. Then I remembered our conversation and started to imagine a great weekend! Plus I love what you said about Jesus taking our sickness and pain on the cross and it cannot be two places at once! That is such a revelation! It's amazing how these pinciples work in the little things as well as the big!
Well said!

Lisa said...

I can't count the times when I've let my imagination run away from me either through fear, anger, jealousy, or whatever else. When the "truth" of the situation comes out, I'm left feeling foolish at best.

Great post and one that will have me thinking before doing any more "stinkin' thinkin'"! :O)

Thanks for stopping by Daveda and have a wonderful week!

Lisa

Heather of Swallowing A Moose said...

Great Daveda!

Our imagination can lead us many places we ought not be.

Now that I KNOW who I am because of what He completed/ finished. I just think happy thoughts! I dwell on His goodness and love. I trust that He will come through for me in all things even those that at first glance don't look so pretty.

Especially today! I'm trying to excell in imagining happy thoughts. I'm thankful the hubby & I are in one piece and so are the others. I am imagining a miracle happening with our truck! :o)

What did I miss hearing Sunday at TGF?

Cheryl said...

I love this!
As I have been growing in knowing the Lord, when faced with times of confusion or indecision, imagining the peace spoken of in Gods word brings a calm that words cannot describe. It brings His presence.

I love your positive imagination. It helps all around you see the Lord within you!
I love you my sweet girl!

christy rose said...

I thought it was really cool to see where my mind went when I read the words man, dog, church, house, Bible. Without even trying at all the pictures were vivid in my mind.

It is amazing that the wonderful gift of imagination that God gave to us to look forward toward seeing in advance the manifestation of His wonderful promises of provision in our lives can be used by the devil to distract us with his lies preventing us from being able to see God's plan at all.

That is why the Word says to guard our heart with all diligence. In it are our issues of life. If we watch and guard I believe we can catch the tricks and lies the enemy throws at us and stop him dead in his tracks, preventing him from stealing our imaginations any more.

I loved this Daveda