This time, Consider Him

This week, I took a walk on the promenade and like many people I was admiring the beautiful sun setting over the ocean. All of a sudden, some negative thoughts intercepted all that admiration, literally out of nowhere. Now in retrospect, I am able to identify and categorise these thoughts as negative or corrupted but that is not how they presented themselves. I have to say, I’m one who loves to ponder and that’s how the door was unlocked to such thoughts, “But Mahlodi, didn’t you see how they…” OR “let’s replay that…”. With every sentence, the door opened wider and wider, and other thoughts alike busted in like the SWAT team and before I knew it, I was overwhelmed by thoughts of lies, doubt, identity and more. All of a sudden, the ever so beautiful ocean was clouded by these heavy thoughts. And though my eyes were still fixed on the view, I couldn’t see the beauty anymore. I was listening to music and the song “my soul sings” came on and there is a verse in that song that says, “with all my heart, I love you Lord. You’re my first love, You’re my Reward” and it was like a snap of a finger during a hypnosis. It was insane, in that moment I became aware of my thought patterns and started praying. During that, I got reminded of this scripture (read below).

Hebrews 12:1-3 is an exhortation to us, followers of Christ. Paul encourages and reassures us to remove all that hinders our walk with the Lord, to fix our eyes on Jesus and to consider Him.

I attended a conference a few days ago, and had the privilege to sit under the teaching of Jackie Hill Perry. As we were reading about the Fall (Genesis 3) she explained that “the problem is Eve was conversing with the creature that God had given her dominion over. And she started to engage with ideas that she had the authority to reject.” And as we all know, no good came from that and the truth is, we still fall into the same pattern today.

We might think we can handle it but bargaining and giving the enemy an ear will always lead to defeat. He is described as an accuser (Revelation 12:10) and he always leads you to a place of discouragement. Discouragement being the opposite of Hope. I don’t know if you’ve ever been discouraged but just like my walk you do not recognise beauty anymore, your memory is clouded, and strength withers. But next time, consider Jesus at any given point. Whether when those thoughts are immediately planted, when being tempted or even in that puddle of discouragement. Consider Him who endured hostility so that we won’t grow weary and give up. Remind yourself of what He has done, and that now we have the power to say no. Consider the cross, where all power of sin has been broken, consider how now that you are in Him, you are no longer a slave to sin. That we have the authority to rebuke and reject. Apologies if this sounds too prosperous for you but when it comes to matters of the mind, sin and just the lies of the enemy, it is necessary to remind yourself of what Christ has done and bestowed in us to resist the enemy. He is far greater, so all that we do, whatever you are facing, we ought to consider Him, and His power so we do not find ourselves entertaining things that would lead us to temptation or disobedience.

Before that song, I really felt myself believing that false narrative but all it took was consideration of His love, His power and being reminded of who God is.

Scriptures mentioned:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” - Hebrews 12: 1-3

“Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,

It has come at last salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” - Revelation 12:10