Chapter 21
I AM Changing
Our goal for you is to change the way you think, from always having that feeling of dread or anxiety about what the day will bring - to looking forward to all God has for you each new day. You and I both know, this isn't easy and it won't happen all at once. This is a process that involves removing old thinking habits AND replacing them with new thinking habits. But most of us are creatures of habit, and we tend to continue acting as we have acted in the past, doing what we have always done. And what makes changing even more difficult, like a river flowing through a canyon, the longer a habit has continued, the more deeply it has become ingrained, and the harder it will be to change.
You may have been thinking this way for a long time. You may have tried by every humanly means available to you to get over this anxiety issue, but you have discovered nothing works. You must have realized the only solution is to get God involved in this process, and that is why you instinctively knew to take this course or seek out a faith-based counselor. Give yourself a pat on the back for that.
If you are a worrier, I recommend that you make index cards with these “I Am” statements on one side, and the Bible verses on the other. But it will still be difficult. Old habits die hard. One key to success is to keep telling yourself you CAN do this. Did you ever read the children’s story "The Little Engine that Could"? The climax of the story occurs when the little train pulls its oversized load to the top of the hill, finding the strength to keep going by repeating over and over, "I think I can; I think I can; I think I can." Because the little engine thought positive thoughts all the time, even in the face of adversity, it accomplished the impossible.
I am convinced you can do what's needed too. Confirm this to your mind by telling it, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Paul's message is very clear. It's through Christ that what was thought to be impossible now becomes possible. I believe there is a balance and there is a partnership. There is the "I can do" part and there is the "through Christ" part. You and I have our job to do in meeting the challenges, facing the difficulties, and keeping our minds on good and positive thoughts instead of being anxious. Thankfully there is a partner, so that we can say with confidence, "I can do all things, even change my thinking habits, through Jesus Christ."
Continue to Chapter 21: Questions
