A Prisoner in your Own Mind

( The Great Delusion of Psychological Time )

Much of this I learned from my dear friend, David Alsobrook.

I highly recommend his book, “ You can be Free from your Self.”

   We only have this moment, there is no other reality. The past and the future only exist as constructs of your mind. The past resides only in your memories, which are faded and unreliable and the future is a projection of your imagination, without basis in reality. Nothing has ever happened to you in your past. Whatever has happened to you happened at that moment, which then passed. It continues with you now only in memories. Likewise, nothing good or bad will ever happen in your future, for when it arrives, it is present. Unfortunately, most people waste great amounts of mental energy on these psychological constructs which steal away their peace. They regret the mistakes they've made, are embittered against what others have done to them and anxiety laden over what awaits them in the future. Their inner dialog is awash with guilt, shame, regret, bitterness and worry. It's sheer torment! These psychological snares effectively keep us from recognizing the vibrant Life of God surrounding us, impair our ability to hear His voice and restrict access to His grace at hand. They make us prisoners in our own minds. The Lord wants you free from all such mental bondage, so you can be clear headed, here in the present, savoring every moment with Him. God desires to talk with you, here and now; for it is written, “ Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your heart.” and again, “The words I speak to you, ( present active tense ) they are spirit and they are life.” Thus, everywhere Jesus went, He preached the kingdom, commanding, “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.” and “Forgive, that you may be forgiven.” and further requiring us, to “Take no thought for tomarrow, Don't Worry about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall wear.” Peter, understood also, that to humble himself under God's mighty hand, meant to cast all his cares upon Him, knowing God's great love will care for us. (1 Pet 5:7) So Jesus, with our welfare in mind, commands us to:

1. Repent! ; so that we may receive forgiveness of our transgressions and freedom from the guilt and shame that holds us hostage and keeps us feeling unworthy to move on.

2. Forgive! ; so that we do not carry unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment into our present. We forgive, to free ourselves. The person(s) who hurt you, may be dead and gone, but you give them power to continue hurting you as the memory gnarls your soul with the cancer of bitterness.

3. Do Not Worry! ; Entrust your heavenly Father with your future, He knows what you need before you even ask. He will take care of you, because He loves His children.

You see, 2 of the 3 commands, cut off psychological ties to our past and the 3^rd cuts off our fears for the future, leaving us available, aware and attentive to the present reality at hand. This is how to clear away the clutter and make space for God inside you. This is where God speaks with His still small voice. This is where, true freedom lives, in the quiet contented heart, satisfied by God's presence.

Ps 46:10 ~ Isa 30:15

Be still, (cease striving) and know that I am God. ~

For thus saith the Lord... in returning and rest shall ye be saved;

in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength

Just Be.

Be still, knowing God is in control. Be content, not striving to become. Be accepted and Be loved, Be a child of the Most High and Be holy, healthy and whole. Be present, in the here and now, where everything is happening. The state of being, is much healthier and happier than the state of becoming; which always feels inadequate, unacceptable, unloved, discontent, unloveable, unworthy and unaware of your Father's heart towards you.  You've been striving to qualify, the child already loved and accepted.