"From 'Stinkin' Thinkin' to 'Raisin' Praisin'"

 

“From ‘Stinkin’ Thinkin’ to ‘Raisin’ Praisin’”

 

While living in South Carolina we heard a message in which the pastor referred to “stinkin’ thinkin’”, which often plagues us on this journey we call life. The phrase, generally thought to have been coined by psychologist Albert Ellis and known in professional circles as Cognitive Distortions, describes negative perceptions of oneself or circumstances. Perhaps the best biblical example is the prophet Habakkuk. He ministered around 605 BC at the time of the Battle of Carchemish in which the Chaldeans (aka Babylonians) under Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians and became the dominant power in the then-known world. Judah had been under Egyptian control but became subject to this ruthless new master. Habakkuk couldn’t understand how God could allow this and fell into the “stinkin’ thinkin’” trap. He expressed his frustration in this way: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?...The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted…O Rock, you have ordained them to punish. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong…Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (Habakkuk 1:2,4,12-13). But God encouraged His confused servant: “Because you (i.e. Babylon) have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you…The violence you have done…will overwhelm you….” (2:8,17). (In other words, “I’ve {i.e. God’s} got this!”) With this assurance Habakkuk’s “stinkin’ thinkin’” became “raisin’ praisin’”: “I stand in awe of your deeds. O Lord…in your wrath remember mercy…Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines; though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength….” (3:2,17-19, emphasis added). What transforming words!

I had a “stinkin’ thinkin’” time 30+ years ago when I felt much like Habakkuk did. But through Karen’s love and support, prayers and encouragement from friends and God’s Word (especially Jeremiah 29 and Psalm 73) my “stinkin’ thinkin’” became “raisin’ praisin’”. It took time—I had a lot to learn—but in the end I could look back and see God’s hand in my journey and exalt Him as Habakkuk had centuries before,

“Raisin’ praisin’” will beat “stinkin’ thinkin’” every time. So let’s say with Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4, emphasis added).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan