I hated those red marks on my paper. You know the ones the teacher used to point out mistakes on your writing assignment. Vibrant lines decorated your paper if you failed to add punctuation and especially if you had a run on sentence.
Your Dictionary, I didn't know there was such a thing, describes run on sentences as "sentences that contain too many ideas without proper punctuation".
This reminds me of the thoughts and memories that the enemy throws at our minds. It goes something like this....somebody says or does something that is offensive or painful. Or, it may even be something that you've done. Then, the enemy captures those moments and begins to rehearse them like a jackhammer working over time in your mind.
Thoughts creep in when you least expect it. They appear when you're settling down after an exhausting day or when life is at it's best. It's a perfectly timed ambush. And don't think these thoughts come alone. They bring fear, torment, anger and shame to the party. Yeah, it’s a package deal.
No one even knows you're being assaulted. Your family, friends and co-workers have no idea that you're suffering an unmerciful beating in your mind.
So, what do you do? Is it possible to put a stop to the enemy's chatter? Here are a few strategies you might consider implementing.
Verify the source. My professors always required that we provide credible sources to support our essays. And of course, the word of God fits into this category. It is infallible, faithful and true. (Psalm 18: 30)
So, if what you’re hearing doesn’t align itself with the Bible, it can’t be trusted. Which means, there are just two other options. You’re either hearing your voice and you know how fickle we can be or it’s the devil.
John 8:44 tells us in no uncertain terms that he's a liar - ... “When he lies,he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” - NIV.
Basically everything that comes from satan is wrong and unfounded. Yes, he mixes in a few facts but, they're lies just the same. So, don‘t even give the enemy one moment of your mental space. Not one iota.
Use a period. Don't you just wish you could delete or erase all of the undesirables out of your life? Trust me, my delete button would be working over time if that were possible. But since that’s not an option, try using a period or in the spiritual realm - forgive it.
And, while you’re at it, forgive yourself. You see, forgiveness puts an end to the whole blaming scenario and redirects your focus to the one who heals. I know its not easy to forgive girl I'm right there with you.
I remember being in tears telling my Grandmama how someone had severely wounded me and betrayed my trust. I think her words will forever be ingrained in my mind. "We can't hate nobody and see Jesus. Forgive them and put it under the blood so you can see Jesus!" Her words struck me at my core. It made me realize that holding someone hostage was not worth being out of fellowship with God.
Are you struggling with unforgiveness? Remember that according to John 14:16, the Holy Spirit is our helper. He will help you forgive. Just ask.
Write a new sentence. There's no rule that says you have to receive all of the thoughts that knock on the door of your mind. You have the right and even more so, the authority to kick out every negative or accusing thought. Now it will take a lot of discipline as if you need to add something else to your plate but, you can resist the temptation to be passive.
As a matter of fact, you can take it a few steps further and create an entirely new conversation using the word of God. Here's an example from joycemeyer.org - "I have been set free. I am free to love, to worship, to trust with no fear of rejection or of being hurt." - John 8:36; Romans 8:1
I encourage you to develop a habit of regularly decreeing and declaring God's truth and promises. There are thousands of promises in the Bible. Write the scriptures down and place them in your car, on the refrigerator, your mirror and anywhere else you can think of. Try one promise per week and see what happens. Before you know it, you'll put those run on sentences on the run.
Your Sister Friend,
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