What's On Your Mind?


What are you thinking about?
That's actually pretty important. The Bible has much to say about our thought life.
In Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth we find these words;
"We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." II Corinthians 10:5.
You don't have to live too long to discover this isn't always easy. Our minds tend to wander. There is incredible value, however, to seeking to control where those thoughts go.

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7.

That's more than simply being a positive thinker, although the children of God are a people who think positively. If all I think about is the worst possible outcome in a situation my heart will be filled with anxiety. Mark Twain once wrote, "I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened."

Instead of thinking negatively about what we're facing the Scriptures teach us this;
"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8.

Stop thinking about the worst outcome, and start thinking about what is worthy of praise. Take your thoughts captive and let your mind go in the direction of God working all things together for good. That's not simply wishful thinking. That's allowing your mind to dwell on what God can do. It's keeping our eyes on Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:2.

As we do this we receive this promise,
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3.

Is it easy to control our thought life? Not always. Worth it? Absolutely.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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