This morning the first words my eyes read were “Taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who trust in Him!” (Ps. 34:8). Indeed, following Jesus is the happiest of all lives that we could possibly live. Later in the morning, my eyes read of Jesus in the wilderness dueling with the devil. Lies, Lies, Lies! Ugh, these intrusive thoughts.  So, then I asked myself the question, how can this be the happiest of all lives when we fight with intrusive thoughts so often?  “Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts, images, impulses, or ideas that suddenly enter a person's mind and cause distress, discomfort, or anxiety” (Thanks, ChatGPT). Sound familiar? Paul said that when he wanted to do good, evil was right there at his side. It might be worry, fear of failure, lust, control, revenge, self-rejection, pride, the list could go on.  Martin Luther’s advice is sound. “You cannot keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from making a nest in your hair.” As Pastor Shaw reminds us, we need to shoot the geese! This is true – especially when these are thoughts from the enemy.  But what if your soul is in anguish? Scripture compares the soul to a child (see Psalm 131). So, what if your soul – due to intrusive thoughts – has been wounded and is coming to you for help? Should we shoot it? Should we condemn it? Should we send it back to its room?  Recently, I’ve learned about a new tool for my inner life toolbox. It’s called the Welcoming Prayer, and it provides a different approach. What if, instead of slamming the door on intrusive thoughts or hating ourselves for having them, we welcomed the thoughts? What if we listened to the fears of the soul? What if we took this “distressed child” to the One Who can speak grace and truth into it?  Sunday, we’ll dive into two common yet painful intrusive thoughts and the Remedy to them. Jesus Christ is the Soul Healer. Let’s bring our wounds and lies to the One Who can comfort, correct, and mend…day by day. He’s where the Happiness is.

Guest Blogger: Pastor Bart Bouman