When I was in my late teens, I was excited to watch a movie with my friends. The only thing is that it turned out to be a psychological thriller. Let’s just say that there was nothing thrilling about it for me. In fact, I was so scared that I could not sleep well for weeks. Do you know what my takeaway was from that experience? Entertainment through that genre of movies was not for me. That means I will walk away if what is being watched fits that category. I don’t feel bad because I know the aftermath of watching such would feel worse.
Now only if it was just as cut and dried when it comes to my thought life. Then again, maybe it is.
Over the years, I have entertained many negative thoughts such as:
“This is too hard. I can’t do it.”
“This bad situation will never change. It’s hopeless.”
“What a crazy idea to have! What will people think?”
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Those thoughts flooding my mind were most definitely running my life. I did not have peace or joy and I felt as if I lacked clarity. My head hurt and my body ached with pain and I felt as if I lacked strength. It’s a terrible position to be in. And it’s not what God desires for you or for me.
I had to make decision about entertaining these thoughts just as I had to make one about what I watch. 2 Corinthians 10:5 states, “take every thought captive”. To do this means:
- tell God the thoughts you are struggling with,
- ask for forgiveness of those thoughts because they are not true or life giving and
- then, ask for help to have godly thoughts.
In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul encourages, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”:
“Nothing is too hard for (God)” (Jeremiah 32:17)
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 10:25)
Dear Friend, I pray that you are intentional about removing negative thoughts. Walk in the fulness of God’s joy as you think on His words.
~Joyce
