We all struggle with our thinking
Laura Ingle ·Key scripture – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).
Have you ever been stuck thinking about something negative that has either been said to you, done to you or something that you did to someone else.
When our circumstances aren’t what we want them to be, our thinking gets stuck on negative things and when that happens the people around us experience the fall out of how those negative thoughts make us feel.
We all struggle with negative thinking at times; it’s a common battle. That’s why it’s important to recognize negative thought patterns and learn how to re-route them.
The good news is we can have control over what we think. When we’re down, sad or hopeless, let’s take inventory of our thoughts. When we find ourselves jumping to conclusions, doling out guilt trips on others or replaying arguments in our mind, let’s consciously change our thinking. When we get in a funk, often it’s because we have focused too much on what’s bad.
The apostle Paul advises us in the key verse, Philippians 4:8, to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. The next time you’re fighting negative thoughts, say out loud to yourself “STOP” and say to yourself that you have the mind of Christ and you do not have to think negative thoughts. Take each negative thought captive and replace it with what Paul describes in the key verse.
Scripture promises that when we align our thoughts with God’s, His peace, which passes all understanding, will keep our hearts and mind through Christ Jesus. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, give me the wisdom and ability to bring every thought captive under the obedience of Christ. Help me to refute negative thoughts about myself and others with Your truth. I want to get better, not bitter, therefore, I will cast out all unauthorized thoughts and imaginations and replace them with Your Word. Teach me how to bless others with my words and actions. I pray for You to, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23-24). I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank You for sanctifying me so that I am more like Jesus every day. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
D5 Creation