Think This, Not That

I have been on a diet since the age of nine. Although born at a trim six pounds, I became a portly child by 6 months, with fat rolls, chubby cheeks and creases at my wrists, elbows, ankles and knees. My mother said I was always hungry ... I believe it! I have the baby pictures to prove it!

In the course of my trying to get some semblance of 'law and order' over my weight, I came across a series of books called, “Eat This, Not That.” The basic premise of these books is to help us make healthier choices and not really give up the indulgences that make life a happy place. For example, instead of a milk shake (600 to 1000 calories) have a single cone (about 300 calories). Instead of Chicken Caesar Wrap, have a grilled chicken sandwich. See? You don't have to live on kale and toothpicks! You can eat well and have fun while making healthier choices.

But I'm not writing today about food choices. I am writing about thought choices. Last night was election night. One thousand days of campaigning, mudslinging and promises made to be broken culminated in another four years of what we've just had four years of. Broken hearts and broken dreams on one side; empowerment and exhilaration on the other, with neither side really wanting to communicate or compromise with the other. But does it have to be that way?

Every day, in every circumstance, we are given choices. Fruit or eggs for breakfast; turning right or left out of our community to drive to work; jump in someone's stuff when they offend us or gently explain why we've been offended. Each action is preceded by a decision, each decision is preceded by a thought. The important thing (again learned via dieting) is to think about something before it's 'crunch time'. So before we get hungry, it's good to think about appropriate food choices and plan accordingly; before we blow our stack at a (fill in your own description) co-worker, think about various scenarios and peaceful resolutions; before the emergency arises, think about escape routes out of the house and where you will all meet when disaster strikes. In other words, be proactive instead of reactive.

For those of us with a deep abiding faith in our Creator and the sanctity of life and the holiness of marriage, last night's election results are disturbing. For those of us who have seen the values of our homes decrease and our household expenses increase, last night's election results are disappointing. For those of us who haven't worked in a while, last night's election results portend more of the same. It is easy to slide into the thought patterns of helplessness, hopelessness,and powerlessness. But YHVH's psychology is very different! He tells us:

YHVH is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my Elohim is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

"So don't be anxious, asking, 'What will we eat?,' 'What will we drink?' or 'How will we be clothed?' For it is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Don't worry about tomorrow — tomorrow will worry about itself! Today has enough tsuris (troubles) already!” Matt 6:31 - 34

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares YHVH, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Moreover, my Elohim will fill every need of yours according to His glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Y'shua.” Philippians 4:19

Also, we can't forget that in Yah's economy, we must not hold grudges; we must not keep track of the hurts; we must not savor the pain: “For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will not forgive yours.” Mat 6:14 - 15

So, no matter how elated or deflated we are by the results of the election; no matter the joy or frustration, we put the events of the past one thousand days behind us, we roll up our shirt sleeves and forge ahead, occupying until Messiah Y'shua's return, remembering that 'occupy' is a military term meaning to stand our ground and exert our influence, that being the influence of Yah's Kingdom. We speak kindly, we encourage, we love, we serve, and we also oppose and work to displace the works of darkness.

In all this, I am reminded of Lot, the nephew of Avraham. He chose to live near Sodom and Gomorrah, initially for the benefit of his flocks of sheep. Ultimately, he had a house in Sodom. BUT, when the sun went down he went to the town square to seek out and save travelers by inviting them into his own home. Until the return of Messiah, let us restructure our thinking. Let's reject the notion that it is hopeless and 'this' is all that there will be, and make positive strides in providing encouragement to each other and to those around us. Let us give practical help and feed the poor and homeless. Mostly, let us know that YHVH is in charge, there is no “Plan B” and submit to our Father's plan with grace and humility. Let us walk by faith, not by sight. Let us stop focusing on the mess we see around us and lift our eyes to the hills from whence comes our help. Our citizenship is a heavenly citizenship. Our riches are stored in a heavenly storehouse. So if the market crumbles, if our homes zero out, so be it!! “They” cannot take our souls, “they” cannot take our heavenly reward. Only we can hand it over. Let's not do that! Let's do this: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8.

Shalom b'shem Sar Shalom --

Yocheved