It is easy to get caught up in the game of life rather than take the time to step back, away from the noise, and think. To pause at the fountain of life and refresh our souls.  

The decisions I make for my life are based more on prayers, the Word, and belief.

I pay more attention to my motive and desires behind my decision-making.

I loved myself yesterday but love the woman I am today more.

But it is not always easy to handle our emotions or choose what to do well when hurt. Already this year, I have had to stop and restore my inner peace. I was beginning to carry unwanted energy that wasn’t even mine.

After attending a fun event with a girlfriend of mine and her friend, I strongly sensed an uneasy tension between her friend and myself. This was not the first time I had sensed this uncomfortable feeling around her. Still, I kept praying and believing that it was nothing and that the friendship would evolve eventually.

For the next few days, I had a hard time shaking off the awkward interaction between all of us. What was supposed to be a fun outing seemed more about pulling me into uncomfortable conversations about other outside friends and deep private discussions that come with a friendship’s growth and trust. The two-way, sometimes 3-way conversations felt more intrusive rather than genuine.

As much as I would love to be a part of several “girlfriend” communities, I have learned from past experience that ignoring the red flags and going along with the superficial to have more friends does not work, nor will it sit well with my personality, values, and mindset.

Renewing of the Mind

Because once we learn how the truth is in Jesus, we strive to change our former way of life that was part of the person we once were. We want to be renewed in the Spirit of our minds and to put on our new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness, Ephesians 4:22-24. Therefore when something comes against our new self, if we allow space for satan, unwanted energy attaches to us and begins to mess with our thoughts and can cause us to sin until we release it.

Ignoring the red flags that are clear as day allows your heart to be troubled, John 14:1.

I Choose the Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18

Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word. Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.

Paul reminds us that having self-awareness is a big deal to God. God knows all of our struggles and wants us to choose Him over worldly responses. When we are wronged, we can choose to respond rightly rather than wrongly. Paul's letter to the Ephesians is just as true today for us as it was for them. He reminds us of the power of the Holy Spirit, which gives us discernment to know right from wrong. To say Yes or no. To invite this person in or not.

Carrying the shield of faith causes us to be aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, ensuring that they align with the Word of God and our values. And when they are not lined up, our peace becomes disturbed. 1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us that God is not a God of confusion but of peace. When there is a disturbance, we need to get back in alignment with the Word of God.

Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every Word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you. For the Lord has hidden storehouse of wisdom made accessible to his godly ones. He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right. Then you will discover all that is just, proper, and fair, and be empowered to make the right decisions as you walk into your destiny, referencing Proverbs 2: 6-9 TPT.

You Need God’s Power

It really is a big deal to God that we draw our strength from Him. When we search for answers outside of the Word, we lose sight of who we are in Christ and begin to struggle with our identity.

We all have the desire to have close friendships and relationships. Therefore, we try to overlook those things done unintentionally or intentionally by those we love because we want to fit in; we choose to deal with the superficial stuff that comes with the so-called circle of connections, getting nothing out of the friendship but discomfort.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 CEB, we’re told that God’s desire for our relationships is to encourage one another and build one another up. When this is missing, self-awareness allows us to feel that something is not right. The Word of God will enable us to see what it is and teaches us what to do about it.

God wants us to connect with one another. God wants us strong. He wants us prepared. He wants us to be at peace. He does not want us to handle anything on our own. He wants us to check in with ourselves, and He wants us to check in with Him. God wants us to pray for ourselves and our brothers and sisters so that we are prepared with the sword of the Spirit to extinguish the flaming arrows that come against us in any given circumstance.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for my Helper, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth and Wisdom that dwells in me and with me. That teaches me all things and brings to remembrance all things that Jesus said about me and His plans for my life, AMEN.

~Reflection

John 14:25-27 KJV

Proverbs 20:5 NIV

2Peter 1:5-9 CEV

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