Lesson 5: Coping Behavior

Early on in the book The Search for Peace: Release from the Torments of Toxic Unforgiveness by McGee and Sapaugh the authors talk about learning to look at our sinful coping behavior, whether it be overeating, controlling-type manipulation, raging, or basically fill in the blank, as God looks at them. How do we do this??? PRAY!!!!

This is a scripture that spoke to me about seeing. I want to let God work with me so that I am seeing situations from His perspective, not my own which can often be clouded by old behavior patterns and hurts. This is especially important for me in situations that cause me fear or anxiety or hurt.

"A great crowd followed them as they were leaving Jericho, and two blind men who were sitting by the roadside, hearing that it was Jesus who was passing by, cried out, "have pity on us, Lord, you Son of David!" The crowd tried to hush them up, but this only made them cry out more loudly still, "have pity on us, Lord, you Son of David!"

Jesus stood quite still and called out to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"

"Lord, let us see again!"

And Jesus, deeply moved with pity, touched their eyes. At once their sight was restored, and they followed him. -Matthew 20:29-34 (Phillips translation)

Dear Jesus,

Please touch each of us as we read through this scripture and help us open our hearts to Your special truth for us. We invite You in, dear Jesus, to lead us and teach us. Glory to You, O Risen Lord. We pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.

JOURNAL ACTIVITY - Make a list of "Show me" prayers that you pray through every day:

  • Show me how You want me to view my overeating.
  • Show me the unforgiveness and rage (there is probably some of this in all of us, and other stuffed feelings and behaviors---just let the Lord lead you in how to fill in the blank here) that is triggering my overeating.
  • Show me Your truth, Your prospective about the situations that cause me pain.

The Lord showed me today:_____________________________________________________________________

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