I am His

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds

set on what the Spirit desires."

Romans 8:5

"I used to think that living life was about living the best of me. As I lived for myself and what I thought I wanted I found myself in situations that were less than ideal. I found my heart breaking in ways that I never thought it could break. I thought that my life, my body, and my soul was mine to do whatever I wanted. I have since learned that I am wrong."--Anonymous

Depression and anxiety are experiences that create doubt, anticipation, and impulse. It is hard to say that you are not your own, especially in the world that you are currently living. There is a lot in this world saying that your body is your own. For the record: "No" always means "No."

Let's change the rhetoric to a different perceptive. Viewing your own life from a different lens. Dropping the guard and the desire to be right, the desire to stand out, and desire to have control. You are not yours. You are His. For some this perspective is ancient. But it isn't. The Bible is as real and truthful now, as it was when it was first written, and as it will be at the end of time.

Having the perspective that "I am mine" allows you to think that you can do whatever you want. It has you believing that you know best. It has you believing that your way is the right way. When in fact it is true that His way is the way. John 14:6 "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life." This perspective forgets to recognize that you are here for Him. To find Him. To love Him. To guide others towards Him.

"I am mine," changes the narrative from Him focused, to you focused. When changing it back to Him focused, "I am His." Believe it or not, relief is felt, peace is experienced, and hope is restored. Life is hard enough to be trying to tackle it with the mindset that "I am mine." As you start viewing the world, you life from the persecutive of "I am His," there is a new narrative that occurs. This narrative supports the bond of an intimate relationship with Him that allows you to be stronger against depression and anxiety, and life in general. Romans 8:5 "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

Scripture:

John 14:6

Romans 8:5

Reflection:

How does this shift from "I am mine" to "I am His" change you?

What challenge is faced when you think of this change?

How does this perspective change the experiences of depression and anxiety?

Prayer:

Lord, Father God. I struggle at times in carrying the weight of it all. The experiences of the world. And believing that I am mine. Lord as I change my perspective to believing that I am yours, I find peace and comfort in knowing that you are for me. I find comfort in knowing that you are the way, the truth and the light. In giving up my life to you, I realize that I do not have to have it all. Because Lord, you have promised me that through you I will gain it all. It is hard, in this world today to understand this shift. Lord, place on my heart and the hearts of others, how being yours is comfort, is peace, and is support in managing and overcoming the difficulty of depression and anxiety. I give these up to you. I pray this in your son's name. Amen.