Intrusive

[toad]

“Secularism, materialism, and the intrusive presence of things have put out the light in our souls and turned us into a generation of zombies.”
A.W.TOZER

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” (1 Corinthians 13:11 NIV)

“The intrusive presence of things have put out the light in our souls.” A.W. Tozer wrote this sometime around 1960 when we were making great strides in technology. He died in 1963 so he didn’t get to see men on the moon, microwave ovens, personal computers, cell phones, digital cameras, and many other things that we have today. But he could see how “things” have a way of being intrusive. To fully understand how intrusion works I go to Webster’s dictionary for the definition of the word intrude. Share this with me: “to thrust, push or force something, or oneself and one’s thoughts upon others without being asked or welcomed.” Today we have an invasion of things in our live that we don’t ask for and many times don’t even want. Not only can things be intrusive, but thoughts also can be very intrusive. We don’t ask for certain thoughts, they just seem to pop up at times. My first experience with intrusive thoughts was right after my return from Vietnam. I found myself thinking about Nam all the time. Us vets called these thoughts “flashbacks,” but the shrinks called them “intrusive thoughts.” I remember when I would hear fireworks and explosions, immediately I would think of Vietnam. When I heard sirens I would think of Nam. When I would hear or see a helicopter, or a jet, I would again think of Vietnam. When I would see soldiers in uniform I would think of Nam. If I was walking in the woods and would see a vine I would think of trip-wires. I did not ask for these thoughts to appear, they were intrusive and made an appearance with out being asked. These intrusive thoughts still occur today, but by the grace of God and the peace that I have found in knowing Jesus Christ they are not a threat to my mind, spirit, or body. It has taken some work though. I located a few Christian counselors at the VA hospital that I was able to confide in and share my experiences with. We don’t always talk about the Lord, it is not government policy. But I do find there to be something about being in the presence of another Christian that brings about a third element of spirituality, whether it is mentioned or not. Today as I have learned from my experience with intrusive thoughts, I try to place intrusive “things” in their proper place also. They are just things. If they start to control my life I need to back up a bit and take a self-examination. For me I have found great solace in reading the Word of God. In the actual turning of the page, and underlining with my own pencil, this simple “thing,” the written Word, keeps the light that Jesus brought into world burning. As long as I fan the flames regularly and kindle the fire with words from God, things will be just that, things. God has done for me what I could not do for myself…………………….JRE

“But know the words ‘Of myself I am nothing, the Father doeth the works’ began to carry bright promise and meaning.”
Bill W. …………………….AA 12X12 page 75

[best]

I find that intrusive thoughts increase as my time in the bible decreases.

Can only fit so many thoughts at a time where they can be brought to the forefront of my mind. When I fill the space with God's word, the intrusive thoughts don't have a space to hang about.
So for me..read God's word or deal with the intrusive thoughts?

I find that God's word serves me well in all areas of my life.

[Chief Skeptic]

I would say the same for music. Secular music hurts my ears after listening to Christian music....then after a while it starts sounding better....next thing I know, I'm singing the lyrics in my head "Cocaine train....."

[sugarssweetpea]

I agree. I tried to go back & listen to some Grateful Dead not too long ago & found myself starting to act like I used to. Those were the songs that stayed in my head (even if I only listened to the cd once a week). I threw it away.

[best]

As for music... On the occasions I listen to secular music... it is mostly what is known as moldy oldies *LOL* Many times I look for what could have influenced the lyrics.
I had just finished reading Eclesiastics one evening and the TV was on in the back ground. A commericial for The Golden Oldies came on and the first song...
Turn Turn Turn, by the Bryds. WOW! I said...They are singing what I just finished reading.

Lyrics from another secular song I was listening to... "He is everything you want, everything you need" in my own thoughts, I would turn the secular music into a Christain song of worship.

How about American Pie and the writings in Revalation of the End times...
When the Holy Spirit is removed from the earth... the three men I admire most...The father Son and Holy Ghost...they took the last train for the coast...the day, the music died. (The day the Holy Spirit was removed)
Ok I know it is a stretch of thought but it works for me *LOL*
In Boston we have but one radio station that is Christian based. Most programs are a sharing of bible studies and sermon style programs... very few hours of music. I make do with what is placed before me.
....in my own thoughts, I would turn the secular music into a Christain song of worship....
At other times I locate the CD from under the back seat where it had fallen...before I start to drive down the highway.
When riding on my bike and with a full face helmet on... Singing as loud as I can at 60 MPH is fun also. need to be careful though...as I sing a Sonic Flood tune...60 could turn into 75 MPH *LOL*