My poor hubby’s computer has been a constant source of frustration for him. He is continually having to use ctrl, alt, del to close down programs. Once he resets his computer, it begins to work smoothly. Do you ever need to ctrl, alt, del your life? I know I do!
CTRL means to Control Yourself! Don’t allow minor setbacks or changes in plans to completely make you lose your cool. We have to be able to control our emotions. As Christians, we know that being slow to anger is what is expected of us. We are called to be an example to the world of how to control our emotions in every situation. Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” When you are unable to control yourself, cracks will form, and other things will start taking control of your life. Being an angry person will start to take over every part of your life.
ALT means to Alter Your Thinking! So, you have controlled yourself and kept yourself from saying something you shouldn’t, but the negative thoughts flood your mind. Sometimes your thoughts are so loud, you can’t function throughout the day. You have to learn to alter your thinking. When your mind is full of negative thoughts and you are overwhelmed with worry, fear, and regret, you will be unable to find joy. It states in 1 Peter 5:7-8, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” God tells us to place all of our negative thoughts on him. He is big enough to take all of our negative thoughts. He tells us to do this so that we will be of sound mind when the devil tries to attack us. When your mind is consumed with worry and negativity, you are not able to be at your best.
DEL means to Delete Negativity. Once you have controlled yourself and have altered your thinking, you must delete the negative. Just like the computer, the last step is to delete all the junk that is slowing you down. In 2 Timothy 1:7 it states, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but power and love and self-control.” As Christians, we have nothing to fear because we have God in our
lives. The world around us tells us to dwell on the negative. They want us to let it stew and fester in our minds until we eventually become a bitter, sad person. The Bible tells us exactly what to think on during the day in order to keep our minds from being weighed down with the negative. “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
Once you are able to master the Ctrl+Alt+Del of your mind, the peace of God will take over your life. I know this is easier said than done. It is something that we have to stay on top of constantly. We always have to stay in control of our minds so that we keep the negative out.
This week’s recipe is a yummy and quick dish for those busy weeknights. It is a delicious but healthy version of a pasta favorite! My family loves it and I’m sure it will be a hit in your house too!
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
April 19, 2024
