Which Tiger Will You Feed?

One of the biggest lies about God that I have been working on for what feels like eternity; is that God won’t be there for me especially when my back is up against a wall. My feelings scream “God won’t help me. I will have to do it myself.” The bible says otherwise.

Depending on who has the loudest voice that day, is the voice that wins; sad to say it is often my emotions. Faith gets relegated to the back of the line and my feelings label God and His word as liars.

One of the tools I use to help turn down my emotional meltdown volume, is one that I have found to be fairly effective. It is a fun little exercise that helps to put truth in front of me using my own voice, and my own words; aligning them with God’s word.

During the exercise, I write out a scripture applying it to myself. The key is to not use the same words as what I have just read but instead personalize them. In other words, I keep the context the same but use words that have the ability to go into those deep places of my heart.

Here are two examples:

Scripture #1: I Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (NIV)

My personalized version: Seek God first; admit my inadequacies; give Him over all my fears and my tears. God will be faithful to help me climb out of the hole and change my circumstances and faulty belief systems. He cares.

Scripture #2: Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” NIV

My personalized version: Don’t be anxious; hang out with God; I am not alone in this. He wants to be there for me and prove Himself faithful to me. He is walking with me; carrying me when needed. As I do, peace will come even when it doesn’t make sense. This peace will also allow a healthy protective shield to form around my heart and my mind, because as I allow Jesus to be my protector, fear has to go.

In closing, there is a story out there that talks about two hungry tigers. The gist of the story is: the one you feed will be the one that grows. Let’s choose wisely as to which one you feed; your wounded emotions which lies and is often angry or disappointed in God, or the Word of God which contains truth, life and hope.

I encourage you to try this exercise and see if it doesn't help to change which tiger you are feeding.

Also there is an opportunity to grow and learn along with others in your relationship with God in our private Face Book Group called Closing the Gap. Come and not only check us out but come and journey along with others in bridging the gap between you and God.