19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”…--Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Berean Standard Bible
From murder mysteries to "calling up the dead," to songs about death, skulls and crossbones, dead cow heads, etc., etc., there is demonic fascinating with death.
I cannot understand why people would rather focus on the dark side--while still wanting to be happy and at peace! Fpcusing on the negative is a distraction--and distruction, which is always the enemy's plan; to get our minds off the LORD.
Jesus Christ died the most horrible death to give us life--abundant life; Zoe--life as God has it (John 10:10)! Hallelujah!
Here is one way to have a better life: focus on the goodness of God!
The LORD is a positive God, and He commands us, for our own good (loving Creator and Father that He is!), to focus on the positives:
…5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think on these things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.…--Philippians 4:5-9, Berean Standard Bible
So how do we do that? You can start with music. Many take the challenge of a world-wide Christian radio station, to listen to nothing but that (very positive, to the glory of God!) station for 30 days. Those who do often find themselves transformed by the Light of the Spirit of God in the true worship music, and they don't want to return to the noise of the darkness, that drags them down.
Music affects some people more than others, but, just like with anything, continued repetition of the wrong things into our bodies, souls, and/or spirits will cause damage--sometimes permanently, as is the case of many who have killed themselves by listening to the evil spirits in the soul-draining "music," like I used to do--even as a Christian, before the LORD revealed to me how I was being oppressed by that junk.
As the LORD introduced me to really cool Christian music (over 30 years ago, and there's much more available now!), which was a tool He used to help me learn to worship much more deeply, He allowed me to feel the heaviness of the demonic forces in the hard rock and other works that I would occasionally go back and listen to. Finally, in His Grace, He weaned me off it all, and I have enjoyed listening only to music that truly worships Christ, and occasionally, instrumental music.
The LORD will lead each of us uniquely. He is faithful forever!
However, His Holy Spirit will continue to convict us; make us uneasy, dissatisfied, etc., with things that are not of Him. He is so very patient and long-suffering, and only He in His infinite love and understanding knows the fullness of our backgrounds, atmospheres, experiences, fears, desires, and everything else about us.
How great is our awesome, holy God!
So, how do you get a better life?
You choose Life.
You choose Light.
You choose the things of God--and He will help you do that.
Colossians 2:7, in the New Living Translation says: Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
5 “Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. --John 14:5-6, Berean Standard Bible
Jesus the Good Shepherd …9 I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.…--John 10:9-11, Berean Standard Bible
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