Choosing Our State of Mind

What does it take to be perfect? What’s the true definition of “perfection”? Is it to be flawless? Is it to become exactly what is pure and true? Does any one of us hold these qualities? It’s a hard standard to live up to. Once we see an imperfection in our character, we immediately self-destruct emotionally sometimes. Once we see an imperfection in someone else’s character, we’re quick to judge. We’re quick to comment on that flaw that’s just been revealed. Why? Is it because we want to be perfect? Is there such thing as being ‘more perfect than the next’? Or is it simply being human?

Lately, I’ve been noticing many flaws in my character. I’ve been dwelling on the negatives and throwing out all positive reinforcements in my life. Each time I “sin” or break some kind of promise to myself or to others, I punish myself with negative dialog and plague myself with depression. I actually inflict the depression upon myself. I know, it sounds absolutely crazy, doesn’t it? A friend of mine who works at my gym told me, “You choose to be depressed.” I didn’t believe what was coming out of his mouth. I explained to him the reason why I wasn’t there for a few weeks, due to my depression and anxiety, and he basically said it was my fault. It made sense though. We actually “choose” to see things in a negative way. I hate to admit to it too! I think, well no, this is happening and it’s making me miserable, and that took place, so I’m really frustrated. I have every right to be down in the dumps!

Do I?

This morning, my sister Carla came over. We were talking about my father’s condition lately, where he’s been getting sharp nerve pains for months on end—I mean excruciating pain! He went to a neurologist and the doctor gave him a B12 shot. My sister explained to me that there are many healthy people who get this shot on a regular basis, because it works like an antidepressant and gives people less anxiety. There are so many people looking for that ‘quick fix’ to make them happy. Is it really a chemical imbalance? Do antidepressants and anti-anxiety pills really help? Or is it just a business? Science tells us that these pills help with the balance of the chemicals in our brains, but it sounds too dangerous to me. (That’s just my opinion.) Not that my martini addiction is any better…

I used to blame depression on the lack of vitamin D—the lack of sunlight when being down in the dumps during the winter. SAD, (Seasonal Affective Disorder) plagues us all, doesn’t it? (Unless you work outside all winter.) They say to sit in a tanning booth for 15 minutes or get one of those ultra-violet lights to help with the vitamin D deficiency. The other option is to take the vitamin.

This morning, Madelene gave me something to read- something I needed to read. I want to share it with you. It made me see things in a different light. I hope that this may help anyone who’s suffering from depression or the lack of inspiration in their lives, as I am right now. I know it helped me a great deal.

“Releasing Your Angels”

It’s time you begin to undo some of the things you’ve done with your words. It’s time to get your words in line with God’s word and release your angels. This prayer will begin that process:

Father, in the name of Jesus, I repent of my ignorance of the Word of God. I ask You to forgive me of the foolish things I’ve prayed.

In Jesus’ name, I bind every word that has released the devil or drawn his weapons toward me. I bind every binding force that I’ve ever given strength to by the words of my mouth. I break the power of those spiritual forces, in Jesus’ name.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to guide me in wisdom and understanding through the scriptural methods to set in motion all that’s good, pure, perfect, lovely and of good report.

I covenant with You to pray accurately. I will keep my mouth. I will speak only that which glorifies God. I will let no corrupt communication proceed out of my mouth, but that which is good to edify and minister grace to the hearer. I will not grieve the Holy Spirit of God whereby I’m sealed to the day of redemption, but I will give glory and honor and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ for all that shall be done.

I proclaim that all that is good, all that is blessed of God, all that is in the perfect will of God, all that God has designed for me shall come to me, in Jesus’ name.

All of the evil and the bad report, all that the enemy has designed to deceive me, will lead me astray, to destroy me, my home, or my finances shall be stopped with the name of Jesus and the words of my mouth.

I’m blessed in the city and blessed in the field. I’m blessed in the baskets and blessed in the store. I’m blessed coming in; I’m blessed going out. I’m the head and not the tail. I’m above and not beneath. I’m blessed of Almighty God, strengthened with the might according to Your glorious power.

The Greater one is in me; He puts me over in life. The Spirit of Truth is in me; He gives me divine wisdom, divine direction, divine understanding of every situation and every circumstance of life. I have the wisdom of God.

I thank You, Father, that I’m led by the Spirit of God. I have the mind of Christ and the wisdom of God is within me.

In Jesus’ name. Amen! ~
From the book, "Let Your Angels Work for You".