Bright Ideas
Café Menu for Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Today’s Special is: Being Aware of Our Thought Life
Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Aj Luck
Main Ingredient:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT
Entrée:
James Lane Allen says,
You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow wherever your thoughts take you.
If I’m being totally honest, my thought life is grossly out of shape. My daily diet consists of self-deprecation, anxiety, depression, worry, frustration as well as constant feelings of being overwhelmed. Yes… yes I am a Christ follower. Yet, I find myself constantly spiraling out of mental control when it comes to the daily stresses of life.
My mental diet inadvertently effects my nutritional choices. I’m an excellent stress eater. Seriously! Depressed? I medicate with cookies. Anxiety? Pizza. Frustration? Clearly, the answer is chips and dip.
Don’t get me started on what happens when I step on the scale. The tornado of mental anguish spins all over again with fury and rage.
I often say “trying to take my thoughts captive is as easy capturing the entire ocean in a sand bucket.”
Why do I share all of this? Simple. I do it to make a point. I can’t do anything on my own.
Everything starts with a thought; tidal waves of whispers soar through my mind; many times competing to be acknowledged.
When I’m afraid, I think on what scares me.
God says,“Fear not, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10)
When I’m depressed, I feel weighed down in my heart.
God says, Why are you discouraged and depressed? Put your Hope in me!” (Psalm 43:5)
When I’m anxious, I try to mentally find ways to fix the brokenness that surrounds me.
God says,“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, talk to me.” (Philippians 4:6)
When I’m worried,
God says, “Enjoy today. Tomorrow has enough worries of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
Does this mean that we should never give in to these emotions? We are human. God knows and understands this. That is why he has given us encouragement at every turn.
No matter where our thoughts may take us, let us surrender them to God and have Him replace our mindset with His.
After all, we have been given the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
Take Out:
When you find yourself inundated with negative, overwhelming thoughts find a spiral notebook and a pen.
Don’t put much thought into this action at first, just begin writing down the first things that come to your mind that you are grateful for. The more you write, the more you WILL write.
God will soften your heart and change your outlook during the process. You will walk away focused on the goodness of God verses the thoughts that were causing you to stress in the first place.
Dessert:
Dear Jesus, lately I have been self-imprisoned by so many negative thoughts. I know that this is destructive and not healthy. Please renew my mind and heal my heart from the impact of my thoughts. Holy Spirit, when the negative thoughts come, remind me of Your Promises. Help me to cling to You in all things. I love You and I need You every moment of every day. Amen.
© 2015 by Aj Luck. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Wednesday, 14 October 2015.
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