Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.   

- James 2:13

I recently heard a statistic that 80% of our thoughts are negative, and 95% are repetitive.

So, if we have a negative repetitive soundtrack playing in our minds day and night, how do we compensate for that and live wholly dependent on God?

First, it is through daily reliance on God’s grace and mercy. It is by remembering that grace is not a one-time gift. He gives it to us each day!

We will not have the grace we need today for tomorrow’s problems. Each day has trouble enough. God doesn’t want us to live in the past. He tells us not to live in the past because He is gracious. He knows the past is over. We have no way to change it. Instead, He wants us to live in the present. We can make plans for the future.

But God wants us to live in His grace each day.

Grace is the gift of life each day. It is the opportunity and chance to start over, make amends, and begin again. It is the hope of a future, of things unseen.

So how do we overcome the ever-present thoughts that hold us captive and make us feel insecure, inept, or unable?

We rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, who is alive in us, helping us to accomplish God’s will.

We commit to memory the life-giving Word of God so that when our thoughts challenge us, we can answer them with the truth of God’s Word.

As you begin the day, what soundtrack will fill your mind? Is it the one telling you that you will fail or that you are not enough? Or is it the Word of God that tells you all things are possible with the power of God?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the mercies you extend to me each day! Could you help me to be more like you each day? Amen.

With Love,
Sherry Shepherd