Where Does Your Vulnerability Reside?

God gave us the biblical account of Jonah because we tend to model his attitudes and behaviors. We will never be swallowed by a large fish or be called by God to prophesy the doom a great city. We are prone to becoming angry and resentful as we encounter disappointments.

Embarrassment, followed by anger, surfaces with a loss of personal credibility. This happened to Jonah at Nineveh, so he withdrew to pout and sulk. He was obsessed with God’s being judgmental and punishing, and when God failed to meet his expectations, he was consumed with anger.

Jonah learned an important lesson at Nineveh. God is forgiving and merciful and changes his mind when people’s attitudes and behaviors turn to righteousness by discarding evil. 

The people of Nineveh turned from evil that was leading to destruction and turned to God with confession and repentance. You can follow their lead. 

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So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it – your faith is more precious to God than mere gold… 

~1 Peter 1:6-7 The Living Bible 

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Is Unhealthy Thinking Sinful?

How do unhealthy thinking and behavioral patterns take charge of a person who seemingly is capable of acknowledging that what’s occurring is not in their best interest? Unreasonable, vicious thoughts can become a hindrance to God’s gift of peace and joy.

In fits of jealousy, Saul, the first king of Israel, believed David was his worst enemy. However, with God’s help, Saul occasionally could recognize the truth. Then suspicion would return along with the vicious thoughts that made David appear untrustworthy.

Negative thoughts were a hindrance to Saul’s mental health and wellbeing. Although Saul might have realized his fears were unrealistic, he failed to actively replace them with faith and trust in the Lord God. Isaiah 41:10 gives you a way to squelch fear and doubt: “Do not be afraid for I am with you. I am your God. Let nothing terrify you. I will make you strong and help you. I will protect you and save you.” Stay focused on God’s word. 

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So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of [Jesus Christ’s] return.

~1 Peter 1:6-7 The Living Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.