IF. Such a small word. Only two letters. It is the language of imagination. I don’t recall how many childhood dreams began with the word “if”. It has often been the start of amazing discoveries, advances, and accomplishments through the years, especially when paired with the word “what”.
The word though is two faced. Our imagination has a dark side. And in the shadows of “if” we find the power and control it has over our hearts and minds which is absolutely astonishing. We can all agree that we used that word before in a context where we were making assumptions that lead us to no where good. We found ourselves wandering down Discouragement Drive, Anxiety Avenue, or Fear Frontage Road. Our journey down those roads was always based on an assumption of our imagination preceded by the word “if” that then led us to some dark conclusion which paralyzed our hearts, minds, and souls.
Someone reminded me of these words this week from the book of Philippians.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
Philipians 4:8 NET
The Apostle Paul was writing to his audience some final exhortations at the end of his letter. This particular verse explains the characteristics as one person noted “of a wholesome thought life” for the believer. What I was reminded of is the first part of that list “whatever is true”.
The word “if” in our life can be so controlling, leading us to despair because we have allowed it to cloud the anchor points of truth in our life, perhaps even untying us from them. If we want freedom from its tyranny, then we need to turn to the truth, specifically God’s Word.
We need to read again the promises that he has made to us. We need to remember that our salvation is secure in Christ Jesus. We need to dwell on the character of God. For me the reminders that he is indeed sovereign, all is under his control, he has a plan, and he has our best at mind are some of the go-to’s, quick mental memos to get me back on course.
Have you been paralyzed by the power of “if”? Turn to the Word and the WORD (Jesus)! There we are face to face with truth which reorients the mind, getting us back on track from the detour that “if” took us on mentally and spiritually. Start today with this simple verse from Hebrews.
For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down [or] (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
Hebrews 13:5b AMP (modified)
Translations used above are from The NET Bible and the Amplified Bible. Quotation also included from: Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J.F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: VictorBooks, 1985), Logos 8.