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July 14, 2008
Delight: A Cure for the What-Ifs
by Susan Brinley
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul (Psalm 94:19).
Sometimes as women, we can think too much. We can imagine scenarios and Òwhat-ifsÓ in our heads, over and over again. We can mentally discuss, analyze, project, and evaluate situations and potential situations, often leading to thoughts that donÕt reflect Christ. You know the thoughts I mean: What if this happens? What will we do if that takes place? What did she mean when she saidÉ? The tyranny of our own apprehensions and Òwhat-ifsÓ can destroy the peace of our hearts.
The cure for these troubled, multiplying thoughts? The Word of God. His eternal promises supersede our present and projected thoughts, calm our hearts and minds, and provide true comfort for our souls. When we delight in His Word, we find peace.
Often we use the word delight in various forms. We are delighted to see a friend, we find the atmosphere or our surroundings delightful, we offer help to someone and say it is a delight to do so. Each of these usages brings a sense of pleasure, refreshment and encouragement. Each also carries a quality of energy and enablement with it. Delight is a word the Bible often uses to describe a right purpose and attitude, as in Proverbs 37:4 ÒDelight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.Ó
In other words, we must spend our thoughts on Him and His Word rather than on our Òwhat-ifs.Ó We must find our pleasure in Him and know that He is the only one who can deliver us from our apprehensions and fears.
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness (Colossians 1:10-11).