(Guest Post)

Our imagination is a beautiful thing.   As children, we saw the world as a lovely place where everything was bright, beautiful, and above all, happy.  Fast forward to present day; are my thoughts still as innocent and pure as they once were?  Do my thoughts reflect my close walk with Jesus that I claim to have?  On some occasions I would have to say that they are not.  I’m not talking about having sexual thoughts, but “daydreaming.”  It is a subject often glamorized by the world, but is rarely addressed by the Church.

The word “daydream” means, “a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one’s attention from the present.”   That may sound well and good, but is this the pattern Jesus Christ desires for our lives?  As women, the struggle with our thought life is one of the hardest battles we have to face.  We think that as long as no one knows about the daydreaming, it is okay.  However, Someone does know about them.   I am guilty of such daydreaming, and it is a constant struggle to keep my mind focused on Jesus and the work He has for me to do.  If my life isn’t going the way I want it to, it is all too easy to slip into that world of make-believe.

“The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.” |Psalm 94:11

If you are still in confusion of the “thoughts” I speak of, let me give you a few examples.   While daydreaming, I imagine myself in a world where I am the most beautiful, godly, well-dressed, best singer, best volleyball player, best photographer, adored by all men, etc.  I think you get the idea.  Many times, I have met a single Christian young man and before long, start imagining our future lives together…a sad and embarrassing struggle.  In my mind, I’ve been married more times than King Solomon.   The imaginary conversations in my head are very dangerous, as well.  The emotional attachment from those thoughts are strong and unhealthy.    What is the harm in those so-called “innocent” daydreams you ask?

They are not reality.

The Bible talks over and over how we are to guard our thoughts and heart above all else. These thoughts are 100% selfish.  The problem also stems from the fact that we are not secure in our relationship with Jesus Christ.  If we are totally content and fulfilled in Him alone, there is no room for these thoughts.

What are some practical ways to help guard against the things that take us away from a close walk with Jesus?  Let us consider a few:

Put on the whole armour of God first thing in the morning:  If you are prepared for the battles of the day from the time you wake up, it will be harder for Satan to use these things to cripple your relationship with the Lord.   Jesus Christ should be our first priority anyway, so may we use His Word as our shield and defense.

Prayer:  It is the thing that keeps your focus on the amazing things God has done in your life and directs your focus on others.  If you are struggling with an imaginary attachment to a man, try praying for his future wife.  That way, you see him as God’s, and not your own.

Memorize scripture:  Recalling to mind how the Lord expects you to act is one of the greatest tools you can use.  Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”   Once again, when you have your heart and mind fixed on Jesus Christ, the need for the daydreaming slips away.

Be careful what you watch, listen to, or read:  This is also a huge factor in taking a stand against this struggle.  Certain movies, books, and music give us unrealistic expectations for what our lives (seemingly) “should be.”  Take these things before the Lord and let Him show you if you need to step away from some of these things.

Test your thoughts against Philippians 4:8:  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” |Philippians 4:8 (emphasis mine)

Do these thoughts of fake marriages, family, being most beautiful, etc. match up with that scripture?  Not at all.  They aren’t true, honest, or just.  While they may be “pure” in certain respects, you could be daydreaming about another woman’s husband and that is not pure at all.

My dear sisters, prayerfully consider your position on this issue and let the Lord guide you in what you should do.  You may think I am way off base and it isn’t a big deal.  But if we were to be completely honest, we would probably find 99.9% of single and married of women struggle with this issue.   Not only is our physical purity to be guarded, but our emotional purity, as well.  May we strive each day to be the fully set-apart women He calls us to be!

Here are a few quick questions to ask yourself:
-Do you ever catch your self daydreaming for selfish desires?
-Do your thoughts line up with scripture?
-Will you begin fixing your thought life on God and how you can better serve Him?

Thank you for reading this! I hope it was encouraging. Lets start a conversation in the comments.

Haley Parson is a single 28-year-old young woman who is keeping house with her parents in northwestern Missouri.  She is a photographer with her own business, quirkycharm photography, and she love taking advantage of the beauty of nature all around her.  She graduated from homeschool with her twin sister, finishing in the “top two” of her class.  Jesus, the Christ, is her first love, and she is looking forward to serving Him in the Kingdom.  In the meantime, she enjoys reading and studying, walking, volleyball, hot tea, history, crafting, vintage shopping, music, and cooking.   She also loves spending time with her married sisters, and her young niece.

While she would love to be married and have a family someday, she knows that may not be God’s plan for her life.  She tries to look at every day He gives her as an adventure and a gift.  Only He knows the future and she knows she can fully rest in His wonderful plan for her life!