The “I Can” Principle
As a child, when I would say I couldn’t do something, my mom
had a favorite saying. It was, “can’t never could do nothing.” While perhaps
not grammatically correct, the saying still rings true today. “I can” and “I
can’t” are both mindsets. It has been observed that both are always true. If
you decide you can, you will find a way. If you decide you can’t, then you
won’t even try.
It is said that Thomas Edison, while working on a new
invention, was asked why his failures didn’t discourage him. He replied that he
had not failed. He had simply found several thousand ways that didn’t work.
What a revelation!
The simple truth is that we all get discouraged.
Discouragement will rear its ugly head at different times. In itself,
discouragement is simply an emotion. It’s kind of like the sudden rush of
adrenaline and fear when someone sneaks up behind you. You can’t help but to be
frightened and jump; it is a survival instinct. In the same way, discouragement
is an emotion that can come unbidden. But if one gives into the discouragement
it can take root in the heart, mind, and soul and become depression.
You might be thinking that there is nothing you can do about
the ugly thoughts that are swirling through your mind, the dark spiritual clouds
that seem to envelope your soul. Perhaps you have bought into the lie that you cannot
help but be depressed. The enemy of your soul wants you to believe that this
depression is simply a physical thing. You can’t overcome it; you just have to
learn to live with it.
But it isn’t just physical and you don’t have to live with
it. It is an attack of hell sent to rob you of your joy, and if possibly your
very life. I have seen children of God so far in depression that they have even
thought of taking their own lives. The blood-bought child of God does not have
to give into this. You can tell the devil that he can’t have control of your
mind. Speak aloud in Jesus name, reminding God and the devil that you know to
whom you belong.
I thank you Lord that
I am your child. I thank you for covering my mind with the blood of Jesus. Spirit
of discouragement and depression you have no authority here. I rebuke you by
the power of the name of Jesus.
You can beat back those ugly thoughts with the word of God.
You can quote scriptures such as “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah
8:10). Say the verse over and over again until you begin to feel it. The word
of God is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). This is not just a mental
exercise. When you do this you are speaking life-giving virtue into your soul
and mind.
When you begin to mention the name of Jesus and the blood of
Jesus the enemy will flee. You have victory in Jesus Christ. Your body, mind,
and soul are the very temple of the Holy Ghost and those dark, brooding thoughts
have no right to be there. Kick them out in Jesus name.
The enemy wants you to believe that you are a failure. He
wants you to buy into the “I can’t” attitude. I speak to you today, my brother
or sister, in the name of Jesus. “All things are possible to him that believes
(Mark 9:23). This is not just any belief. You are confessing faith in the one
who made the universe and calls the stars of heaven by name. This God knows
where you are right now and wants to help you. If you will call to him right
now, he will answer. Say it with me now, “I can because I believe in Jesus.”
Blessings,
Sullivan Jones