By Nancy Virden (c)2023

Once in a while, a little visual aid can do wonders for our decision-making. If you have recurring thoughts or negative beliefs or worries you would like to quit experiencing, try this simple exercise.

Need:

• glue
• ruler (for straight lines)
• old key or picture of one
• scissors,
• small box with lid
• slips of paper
• marker or pen

1. Draw prison bars all around the box.
2. Write “Prison” on it if you wish
3. Cut a small slit in the lid.
4. Glue down the lid so as to “lock” it forever
5. Write on the slips of paper those thoughts and worries you want to give up
6. Place them through the slit into the prison box
7. Go through the motions of locking it, and toss away the key

Those unwanted thoughts and worries are in prison for life. While this act is symbolic, you have the power to replace those thoughts with positive and truthful ones. Look for the evidence of what is good and do not dismiss it. Perhaps fill another box (an open one) with kind and hopeful statements. Use these to replace the old ones when negativity tries to creep back.

Circumstances, other misguided beliefs, struggles, and your disorder do not define who you are. God does. Here are some truths that all believers in Christ can trust.

I am intrinsically valuable. I was known and chosen by God before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:14)

I can change. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I have purpose.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:9,10)

I am never alone. “I am with you always…”- Jesus (Matthew 28:20)

My pain is not wasted. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

My hope is eternal. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. (Romans 8:18)

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Isaiah 55:8

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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