Get Shot, Give Praise!

Question for today...

You and 49 other people are in a bank. A robber comes in, fires, his gun once and you get shot in the right arm. Are you lucky or unlucky?

Ok, friends, this awesome question was posed by Pastor Charles Stock. It got me to thinking about CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) a type of therapy I use for my patients and myself. We interpret a particular situation using our mind. With our thoughts, we judge situations to be "good" or "bad," "lucky" or "unlucky." 

 I am NOT attempting to minimize the traumas that we all have suffered. What I am trying to say is the thoughts we think about those traumas will affect our brain chemistry. Powerful neurotransmitters are released in response to our thoughts, good or bad. These neurotransmitters affect our emotions, which in turn affect our behavior. 

 Back to the question. We all can agree that getting shot wouldn't be on most people's bucket list. But the types of thoughts we think about that "bad" situation can make us "feel" better or worse. Pastor Stock mentioned some responses. 

"Out of all the banks and all the days I could have gone to, the bank I choose is the bank a robber chooses. That's unlucky." 

 "You mean I am the one who gets shot when there are 49 other people in the bank. How unlucky." 

 Do you hear the negativity in these statements?

 How about these?

"Wow, I could have been shot in the head and been killed. That's lucky!" 

 My favorite response, "Wow, I stopped the bullet. Someone else could have been killed. I'm a hero! That's lucky!!!" 

We can apply this to our real life with real heartaches and real traumas. When we meditate on difficult situations with a "woe is me attitude," neurotransmitters, which can influence the development depression are released. When we face a situation for what it is whether hurtful or traumatic with a positive attitude, we stimulate our brain to release neurotransmitters, which induce peace and joy. 

God knows how He designed our brains. That's why the Ultimate Counselor tells us to keep our thoughts fixed upon Him and to think on things, which are pure and lovely. Friends, I am learning to keep my eyes upon my Abba, no matter what situation presents. The fiery darts of the enemy fly, sparking thoughts and emotional responses, but we don't need to allow the barrage. We can stand up with our shield of faith and stamp out the negative thoughts replacing them with praise! We can reach our hand out to others instead of being focused on our own problems. 

I am learning. You can learn too. Holy Spirit, empower us to keep our eyes on Jesus. During this Passover/Easter season, let us remember and be thankful for He did for us!!! He saved us. He is saving us. He will always save us! I am so thankful!!! I love you guys!!!


Amplified Bible (AMP)

8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Hebrews 12:2
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.