R&B singer Jill Scott offered a true reflection of my life when she wrote and performed “Back Together,” which says: “Pieces of me were scattered, blowing in the cold in different directions… Truth, truth, truth be told. But then I looked into your eyes. Everything felt like it could be all right. You went and put me back together, back together again.”

When I became mentally confused about the status and direction of my life, various methods helped me achieve greater balance and healing. Counseling with trained professionals, changes in my diet and sleeping habits and efforts to incorporate more leisure into my lifestyle helped create change.

Support from loved ones, prayer and Bible reading were also major contributors.

My thoughts and ways of doing things are still being changed. Romans 12:2 tells me: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

When I see desired changes in my behavior, I try to acknowledge my successes. I’m slowly learning how to be more assertive and demonstrate respect for myself and others.

Instead of responding with pessimism or “a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen”, I’m learning to be more optimistic and hopeful.

I appreciate the Holy Spirit for bringing scriptures back to my remembrance, because they help me remain focused on desired goals.

Words from the Oct. 17 entry from “Jesus Calling,” by Sarah Young, also assisted me with developing a more positive attitude. The entry stated: “Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me. So the best defense against worry is staying in communication with Me. When you turn your thoughts toward Me, you can think much more positively…”

I also felt encouraged when I read the Jan. 13, 2015, entry from Marsha Burns’ blog: “Small Straws in a Soft Wind.” Ms. Burns shared a prophetic word that relates the process of a house being rebuilt to what a person experiences when he or she goes through a spiritual rebuilding process:

“In a vision, I saw an old and completely dilapidated house. The foundation was cracked, the exterior siding was rotting, and it needed new windows and roofing. The interior of the house was badly damaged and in need of repair. I watched as the cracks in the foundation were filled in, and the exterior of the house, roof and windows were replaced. In the interior, the wiring and plumbing were repaired, the walls were replaced and painted, and the appliances were upgraded. What was once condemned became a beautiful habitation. And, the Lord said, ‘Behold, My House!’”

I’m grateful for many methods that were used to change me. Sometimes healing occurred quickly; but often it occurred gradually. Either way, I’m grateful God used capable Hands to put me back together again!

Tonya Swindell writes a blog for www.inspirenewlife.org and a teacher for Kingdom Building Equipping School (KBES.com). She can be reached at 1brightot@gmail.com.