You Are Not Crazy~

?Perception is everything.

This heartfelt message is for those of you who are in a relationship with a loved one [spouse, partner, family member or friend] who is in pain by the actions of another, to the degree you begin to question even yourself and your own reality.

You are not alone.

There are times we find ourselves in a dazed state wondering…  Am I imagining all this?  Or maybe you ask yourself ~ Am I just too sensitive or maybe is my perception of the truth altered in some way?  As you reflect back on a recent engagement knowing in your mind, you do recall the events exactly as they played out…  Even when the other person reports something totally different.

Did you know that three people can witness the same car accident, for example, and recall what lead up to the accident differently?  The is why perception is everything.  We often have a coping mechanism we use in our relationships in which we will “deflect” upon another, in a confrontation, what is really our own lack.  People do this in order to not take ownership of their own part for the issues going on within the relationship dynamic.   Similarly, this is a steadfast tactic of the narcissists in our lives.

So for today, I want to reassure you ~ You Are Not Crazy.  Nor, are you so emotionally charged you cannot perceive what is reality and what is not.  It is true that there are times we do get so wrapped up in emotions that we often later cannot recall exactly how something played out.  But, that is not what I am speaking of at the moment.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

The Lord has been showing me how our FEAR will override our SOUND MIND.  We may be fearful deep inside of the one we are engaging with, therefore fear does take over and we begin to drift into a mindset that is not sound.  In other words, we waiver, second guess ourselves and our perception of reality is altered.  Anytime we begin to waiver we are not walking in Spirit and truth.  Many people suffer from panic attacks for this very reason.

So what are fearful of?  Losing the one who is manipulating us?  Or maybe we do not want to count the cost for remaining in truth, knowing only an argument will ensue?  Regardless the reason, we are always, always upheld by Jesus when we REMAIN IN TRUTH.  We break ranks with Him when we begin to waiver or act out emotionally.  Jesus never once pacified the lies of another.  He quietly spoke truth to the lies and went upon His way.  He wasn’t moved and therefore, neither should we be.

Keep your eyes fixated on Jesus.

When we keep our eyes fixated on another to meet all our comfort needs, we place ourselves into a vulnerable position to be beguiled, used or even abused.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3

Men also can be lead away in the same fashion, although this particular Scripture is speaking to women, I have seen both genders fall into this snare over the course of time.

As we seek to walk continually in the Spirit, our eyes are opened to see only truth in any given situation.  Some of us at times, honestly, do not want to see the truth, because what do we do with it then?  Unfortunately, that is a question I cannot answer for you or even for myself on some days.  So I sit still and while I sit still I know that He is God.  And I also know, that I am not crazy or imagining things and with Him I find the strength to walk another step, even if sometimes I do not know where He is leading me…  I let Him lead.

I also know, He will lead you too.  Like I said, perception is everything.  Today, ask Him to show you how to perceive Him.  Care more about Him than anyone or anything else in the whole World.  It is to our determent that quite often we seek to be more pleasing in the eyes of someone who we can never please and discount the only True One we should be seeking to please… Jesus.?

On another note ~ I do recommend you get a journal to pour all your thoughts into each day or at a minimum after a conflict.  As you write, don’t forget to listen as well.  The Holy Spirit will speak into you the only truth during these times as you reflect back on what actually transpired.  Before long, as you foster this relationship with the Lord, it will become second nature to you and enable you to walk in truth daily.  Never wavering and never having a feeling of being absent of His comfort.

Speak and Listen ~ Jesus is waiting and soon He will be the only One you do perceive as making a lasting difference in your life.

May the Lord Bless You in His Love,

?Angela ~ Marked By Heaven