“In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

Ephesians 1:5
The Army has a lot of counseling programs rooted in something called “cognitive psychology.” This branch of psychology for soldiers asserts that we do not grow depressed, angry, or anxious because of our circumstances, but because of what we tell ourselves about our circumstances. Losing a job won’t make you depressed, but your inner voice will, that voice which says, “This always happens,” or “This is just my life right now,” or “This is who I am.”
Cognitive psychology teaches you to analyze and counter this inner voice with reason, reality, and all the positive data you can muster. While this exercise may be useful, it is not ultimately successful. Why? Because your thoughts are what got you into trouble in the first place. So how can you trust them to lead you out, let alone not get you into trouble again?
Beyond the positive and negative data, remember that in His great love and through Jesus, God predestined you for adoption as His child. And this Word stands above any word you can tell yourself—good or bad.



Scripture Focus

Ephesians 1:1-10

Insight

More important than what you say about yourself is what Christ has declared you to be—a child of God!

Bible In A Year

  • 1 Chronicles 24-25
  • Psalm 5
  • Matthew 6-7

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