2 Corinthians 4:16 - Don’t Lose Heart
Step 1: Pray. Select.
As I began my prayer time this morning, I contemplated how we go from strong to weak in a heartbeat. I started searching for scriptures on how the enemy within twists and turns our thoughts against the truth of the LORD.
I came across 2 Corinthians 4 and knew the Holy Spirit wanted me to meditate on this chapter today. I did as instructed, and 2 Corinthians 4:16 stood out.
This is where we begin our journey today, friends.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
2 Corinthians 4:16 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.
Jennifer, do not lose heart, outward perishing, inward renewed day by day.
If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.
Step 4: Visualize
I close my eyes to see what the Holy Spirit would like to impart today. I begin to see a heart. It is blackened and decaying from years of hurt, worry, sadness, bitterness, and abandonment that the world has offered it.
I don't know who this heart belongs to, but if you could see my heart, it would also look battered or bruised. This might be true for all of us in some way, shape, or form.
In my vision, this heart is pumping contaminated blood. It travels to the brain and the rest of the body, and everything it touches begins to perish. Once it reaches the brain, thoughts of decay start to flow downward to the mouth, and if the body is not careful, the words will manifest out of the mouth.
But before the words escape, something interesting happens.
Words of love, encouragement, hope, peace, and promise start rising up in the air. They begin to move toward the mouth, and some split off and travel in a new direction towards the ears. They are much stronger than the other words and thoughts.
A book is floating in front of the body; it is the Bible. It is the words Jesus spoke; it is the truth. As the words of decay and anguish encounter these new strong words from the LORD, the decay is overtaken, turning it into beauty. The true vine begins to grow and strangle the voice of the enemy within. The Holy Spirit shows me flowers, and life begins to bloom everywhere the words of the LORD touch. It is like a magical garden of life growing inside the body.
As the good and pleasing words move through the blood and eventually back to the heart, the decay begins to fall off. The heart returns to its intended vibrant color. The bad words or the thoughts that were once there, even only for a moment, have now been covered with the blood of Jesus.
I have a question for the Holy Spirit, so I move to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The requests/questions that came to mind are:
Holy Spirit, sometimes I get discouraged and question myself. To be completely honest, I doubt even you sometimes. I hate writing that, but it is the truth. I want my heart to stop messing with my mind and live in the comfort of your truth. How can I catch these decaying thoughts before they spread and cause a battle within, eventually spilling outward?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
"This is why I say to you - be renewed daily. The more you infiltrate your body with my word, the more you build muscle of my truth, which can catch and destroy the decay from spreading inside you. You may have a moment of fleshly weakness; however, you will notice it will pass more quickly with time. The heart is wicked above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I understand it. I created it. It loves to feel adored and loved, but it is not in control. I am. Never forget, my words are more powerful than any double-edged sword. Tame the heart by pumping my blood through your veins, for every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth, under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father. Rest your mind, body, and spirit, and focus on me, decay is dead, I am the way, the truth, and the life."
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you through your son Jesus.
I need your word as the oxygen to my blood. I need Jesus to cover the times when my flesh gets weak. Thank you for showing me today how to continue fighting the good fight through your words and wisdom. Let me speak death to doubt and life to you! Help me believe I am who you say I am, and let me speak more of you and less of me.
I pray in Jesus' holy name, and seal this prayer with the blood - Amen!
If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear how God works in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.
Conclusion:
Friends, we all go through times of trouble, pain, and doubt, which attempt to rot and perish our perspective and hope. Before we let the decay manifest to the point where we are spewing and contaminating ourselves and others around us, pick up your word and speak the words of truth about God and who he says you are. Let the words float off the pages and infiltrate your mind, body, and spirit. So out of your mouth, living water flows daily, providing constant renewal for you and everyone you encounter.
God bless you! See you soon.
