Get Bossy

My six-year-old son is creative and smart; serious, but fun; and a typical first-born…  bossy.

While I often have to remind him to tame his “overbearing personality," today I am here to tell you… BE BOSSY.

Before you start judging me, let me explain.
I’m realizing I have a bad habit. Maybe a few. Okay, many.

But the one that wreaks havoc on my life more than any other is the whirlwind of whining that strikes when life's circumstances become less than enjoyable. 

It happens like this:
I’m having a bad day with the kids, my husband has a crazy day at work and has to stay late, then I accidentally “ruin" dinner.

Or: I discover a blaring mistake on the budget, my car gets a flat tire, then my son loses one of his shoes.

Woe is me.
Woe is my life.
Why are all these bad things happening to me?

Have you experienced this?
It seems like I make one mis-step, and I’m flying down the black hole of negativity.

Now, this is where being bossy comes into play...

Our “soul" is made up of three things: Our mind, our will and our emotions.

If you’re like me, my soul is too-often jerked around by the events of the day or actions of others (and hormones-- yes, those). But God never meant for our thoughts, feelings and actions to be contingent on what we see— we have a choice… we can boss our soul around and tell it how to act.

I have an adorable magnet on my fridge that holds an incredible truth:

"Bless the Lord oh my soul… and forget not all His blessings!" (paraphrasing Psalm 103:2).

This precious gift from a friend is a continual reminder for me: Despite my circumstances-- God is good, and He deserves my praise.

It’s not unusual to get caught up in the day-to-day. So easy to get down-and-out with dishes piled high and energy running low. But we need to start recognizing when our foot steps toward that slippery slope and Get Bossy: “No! Bless the Lord, soul!"

Why? May I never forget the good things He does for me:


He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. (vs. 3-5)

Oh yeah, that’s why. And here I was getting all upset over burned bread…
Meanwhile I’m forgiven, healed, redeemed, loved— and incredibly, incredibly blessed.

Really puts things into perspective, huh? We have been given too much to be thankful so little. And despite our external circumstances-- God is good, and He deserves our praise.

My challenge to you today is to get bossy:

1- Be the boss of your mind
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

2- Be the boss of your will
"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises." Psalm 34:1

3- Be the boss of your emotions
"But the fruit of the Spirit  is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Colossians 5:22-23

When less-than-ideal circumstances get thrown into your court, be the boss! When negative thoughts start creeping into your mind, get indignant. Corner your soul with this simple command: "Bless the Lord! May I never forget…”  and cause your mind, will and emotions to line up with God’s Word today.

Verse:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." Psalm 103:2

Prayer:
God, Thank you for all the good things you do for me-- forgiving my sins, healing me, redeeming me, loving me and filling my life with good things. Forgive me for all the times I have gotten caught up in what I see and feel and then failed to recognize your goodness. Help me to be the boss of my mind, will and emotions today-- causing them to line up with the truth of your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Author: Katie Gibson

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