I stumbled onto an interesting read the other day. I was searching for links that would lead me to the scripture interpertation of Proverbs 23:7, ‘As a man thinketh, so is he. Eat! Drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.' This commentary of opinions with strong merit from Bibletools.com grabbed my attention. I didn’t want to take time to read it. I was trying to finish the Magazine part of our Concierge site. But it takes another spin into our thinking behavior and healing of negative thinking, not only for Christians but for people in general and how they think. After reading this, you'll see why Guided Imagery is so important to our mental, emotional and insightful wellness. I’d love to share it with you or when you get a chance, read it at your own leisure.I detoured to research and edit this for 2 hours. For you, I hope that it was worth it. My added thoughts will be in italics and underlined.
J.W. Ritenbaugh, a writer for bibletools.org wrote this; We live in a society absorbed with its own feelings. Today, people are addicted to seeing themselves as victims and demanding special tolerance, favor, acceptance, or gifts. Yet a mind concerned with its own painful experiences, rejections, mistakes, or emotional hurts is one that refuses healing. (or does not know how to heal.) These emotions comfort like old bandages, and many are afraid to see what is underneath. Some cling to them because they give special "handicap" privileges, and they use them to justify what they believe, say or do. It is a delusion because it only perpetuates the pain and denies the freedom or forgiveness that God offers.
Pain should serve to teach and mature us, not box us into the darkness. Hebrews 2:10 says Christ learned by the things He suffered--His pain was His teacher.
However, a mind that feels pain speaks pain, and, if left unchecked, will eventually drive others away. Sharing a painful experience with a confidant is empowering and emotionally bonding, but continually sharing it with anyone who will listen deludes us into thinking that it is good for us when it is actually a kind of psychosis. Preoccupation with personal pain denies the fruit of the Spirit. It brings no peace or joy or love, etc. (which is the encouragement that Guided Imagery/Hypnotherapy gives.
Proverbs 23:7 teaches, "For as [one] thinks in his heart, so is he." It is easy to become caught up in life's painful experiences, and some of us have enough of them to fill novels. Yet Paul instructs the Philippines not to dwell on themselves so much: "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippines 2:4). At times, the best way to put aside pain is to care for the needs of someone else. Positive and outgoing communication provides plenty of time to talk about painful experiences, but it does not allow them to become a way of life. When someone asks, we can feel free to express some of the painful events of our lives, but we should show interest and concern for the other's experiences and provide encouragement as needed. Guided Imagery is our way to reach out to many that may need to find peace, joy or love and be release of our deceptive thoughts. We do not suggest it to be the substitute for the Bible's Word.
Ritenbaugh states, in one sense, what we are cannot be hidden. This proverb cautions a person to understand that people can be two-faced, playing the role of an actor or a hypocrite (without knowing it). The words that come out of the mouth may be far different from what the heart really means. The heart, however, cannot really be hidden; it will reveal its true intentions and feelings in time. It is good to understand this and thus protect ourselves. (which is also what Guided Imagery/Hypnotherapy encourages. )
Proverbs 23:6-7
The principle stated here is the key to improving one's physical health just as surely as it will improve one's spiritual health. The sense of the usage of "heart" here is synonymous with the English word "within," thus, what is within a person's mind is hidden from view when one looks from outside. Appearances can be very deceiving because what is within may be far different from what another can perceive. A person may appear smiling and jovial, but he may only be acting to achieve a scheme that ultimately profits him. Therefore, he maybe using others to achieve his end.
Proverbs 23:7 and Guided Imagery is very relevant. We may speak is it from our hearts? Is it really what we are thinking? Are we rehearsing what we assume we should say but really have other feelings in our hearts that need to escape and set us free! The part of the scripture that says, “Eat! Drink!” But his heart is not with you.” Are we speaking but speaking in denial. Is the real reality that it may not be in your heart! I go back to the Guided Imagery journey. When you allow your thoughts to be exposed by the truth that is buried, then comes healing and relief.
Got A Minute or Two?
I Am BerNita, Your Concierge
