THE VAST WANDERINGS OF PSYCHOLOGY & THE “GOD HOLE”

Psychology, like brain chemistry, are two of the most nascent sciences compared to other brands of medicine.  I don’t know how many times I’ve been told, “We just don’t know—we only know you have severe Traumatic Brain Injury.”  Yet, for psychology and psychiatry, neither of these solve anything, yet cost billions (if not more) in treatment and mind-altering SSRI’s each year.  Please allow me to give you some Biblical teachings that psychology has NOT caught up with.

       I deal quite a bit with veterans and others who show suicidal ideations, rehearsals, and even failed attempts.  The “psych’s” forget to approach the ever important “God factor.”  All statistics (globally) show a five-fold (68%-80%) lower rate of death by suicide compared to their non-religious peers.  I can break this down denominationally for you if you want.

       The greatest weapon against stress is our ability through God to choose one thought over another.  God directs us to keep our minds “stayed” on Christ.  I counsel my many PTSD veterans all of the time about their God hole.  We cannot always control what enters our minds, one of Satan’s tools from what we watch on TV or take in via social media.  The key is controlling what we allow to stay in our conscience.

       The second point that psychology is just touching the surface on, but God’s word and truth is quite clear.  As Christians we are expected to act as if we can make a difference in other’s lives.  I, myself, get frustrated in wondering if what I do really does matter…not for me, but in perpetuating God’s truth.  I know my worth through God and it indeed does matter.  Evidence always follows action, and this is never the other way around. 

       My third point is that through, by, and with God we can alter our lives for the better.  With God, I can always alter my attitudes but rarely my circumstances…life happens.  I can’t always shift my resources as they are finite, but what I can control, I have a responsibility to control. 

       My fourth point is a tough one…be now what you desire to be in the future.  We talk about walking this walk of sanctification and true repentance and salvation happens immediately for some people and over a great deal of time for others to come to terms with obedience.  Jesus directed us to be perfect as He was perfect.  Thanks Jesus…kind of like bidding and running a Boston in spades while deployed on ship!  I still am a work in progress and I pray about it all of the time.

       Fifth, the only thing that can damage my relationship with God is me and my attitude toward God.  But isn’t that the same with my relationship with my wife?  Every discussion I have with God and my wife hinges on my attitude and it comes down to a choice between connection or destruction.  I get a vote.

       Sixth, I have noticed within myself that wisdom is an art.  Sometimes, wisdom is overlooking some things that just don’t matter.  Not everything deserves my attention and I must maintain my faith and focus on the things God can easily handle that just eat up my time, money, and energy.  Keeping my mind stayed on God means something to be me and God.

       Seventh point…joy and peace.  This is purely a life living in God.  I’m not happy because I laugh, I laugh because I’m happy.  There is a juxtaposition of emotions in this concept.  Our emotions follow our behavior more than we realize. 

       My number eight is critical…it is the need for us to feel appreciated.  Stay with me now, isn’t that why God created us?  And in His likeness?  To magnify, glorify, worship, and adore Him?  God gave us our emotions and feelings for a reason, to mainly understand that God has those same desires.  I have found through this life that people who act bad are genuinely sad.

       With God, I know my worth and that my life matters.  It is an amazing gift.  Some days are better than others.  I’m just amazingly curious to see what happens next.  The majority of what I post is for men in the clergy and in life.  As sadly, I have so few women in my 62 years of life who can understand normal thinking.  My mother and my wife.  But I have learned some important aspects from both of them and my father.

       Banks, people, and companies treat you best when you are dressed with elegance, the same applies of not being a fat pig as it shows a lack of discipline both physically and spiritually, and you are always respected for a skill set.  I know the rules of social existence and play within them and do my best to be mindful to perfect them. 

       My mother taught me to be a strong and unrelenting son in honoring my parents.  I had a strong father who would mentor me and was the finest example.  I always knew my siblings wanted a strong brother—a go-to guy in times of trouble.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that my wife wants a strong husband and my church wants a leader they can call on 24/7.  I don’t have office hours.  What are YOUR office hours pastor?

       Lastly, I find it hilarious how the uninformed, self-righteous people out there harass and try to contain thought like they narcissistically believe they are the Human Resources complaint department of free speech and the internet.  Pound sand retards.