Have you ever thought about how your thoughts affect your life? Can how you think change how you look at things? How you speak or treat others? How you feel? The answer to all those questions is YES! Your thoughts can affect all these areas of your life and so much more. What your “world” is like all begins with a thought…in your mind. How you see the world through your mind’s eye affects every area of your life. The good news is, you can change your thoughts which can in turn, change your world.
A Thought Defined
Webster’s defines a thought as “The act or process of thinking, serious consideration; reasoning power, the power to imagine. Something that is thought, an individual act or product of thinking. A developed intention or plan. Something (as an opinion or belief) in the mind. The intellectual product or the organized views and principles of a period, place, group, or individual.”
You Can Have Control Over Your Thoughts!
Notice how it says “an individual act”. Thinking is something we do. We have power over things we do. Wouldn’t you agree? No one can make you do anything you don’t want to do. No one is holding a gun at your head saying “You must think this or that!” So the very first thing I want you to realize is that YOU HAVE CONTROL OVER EVERY SINGLE THOUGHT THAT COMES IN TO YOUR HEAD!
If you are a Christian then you are probably familiar with Philippians 4:8 that says we are to fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. To think about things that are excellent and praiseworthy. Notice it says “to fix your thoughts”. We have to choose to think this way. In today’s world that can be a challenge! We are bombared with negative stuff through news broadcasts, social media and general conversation. We have to make a concerted effort to either; listen to what we are being fed or walk away, change the channel or turn off the computer or phone. You feed whatever you focus on so whatever you continually allow to come in through your eyes and ears is what stays in your brain.
Think About What You Think About
So how do we take control of our thoughts? Intentionally….that’s how. You have to “think about what you think about.” You also have to understand there are 3 main ways thoughts come in to you head; by God speaking to us, the world speaking to us and us speaking to ourselves. My question is….who do you listen to the most? In order for us to take our thoughts captive, we MUST ask ourselves where the thought came from. Is it a positive thought? Does it improve your world or anyone elses? Does it lift you or others up or tear you and them down? If not…. drop it like a hot potato. Don’t let it stay and take root.
This world is such a negative place in so many ways. We have to be careful what we allow to affect our minds. In Romans 12:2 Paul tells us “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.” Here Paul tells us not to allow the world to dictate how or what we think but instead to allow God to change our minds. We can do that through studying (not just reading) and memorizing God’s Word. God created us and knows what’s best. He has provided the instruction manual; all we have to do is use it. When you memorize scripture it helps you to focus on what He wants and then the world loses its grip on you.
Something To Think About
In Proverbs 23:7a King Solomon says “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Mahatma Gandhi said, “A man i s but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes”. He also said “Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” Both of these focus on the fact that our thoughts make us into who we become.
Where Is Your Focus?
Think about this for a second. We have a choice. What do you focus on? If you are struggling with something and you are constantly telling yourself “I am NOT going to act that way or do that (whatever that may be)….you are focused on THAT! How different would you be if you just changed what you were thinking about? WHAT????? It can’t be that easy. Oh, no….I didn’t say it was easy! But it is that simple.
Let me ask you this…If you are watching T.V. and something comes on you don’t like. What do you do? Do you just sit there and watch it anyway? NO, of course not! You have the power in your hand through the remote control to change the channel! Well, guess what folks…you have that same power when a thought comes in your mind. You can CHOOSE to change the channel! Just think about something else! Now this takes practice…but you know what they say about practice…practice make perfect!
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your World
You may have heard the saying “Change your thoughts, change your world.” Is that really possible? YES!! I know it may sound silly and too simple to really work, but I challenge you to try it. Am I perfect at it? LOL….Oh no! But something you will hear me say a thousand times over and over again, (slight exaggeration unless you are my kids!) is, it’s not about perfection but about persistence. When you fail…just try again! Don’t sweat it. Just keep working at it. Remember, God’s still working on you and He promises to finish the work He started!
Let’s Break It Down
So many people today think they have no control over their thoughts…but you do. You are solely responsible for what stays in your mind and what doesn’t. What do you focus on? Is it mostly negative? Do you find yourself worrying a lot? What do you picture in your mind? Is it a positive outcome or negative? Visualization is a powerful tool that anyone can use. The key is being mindful of what you are thinking. Are you upset? Ask yourself why. What’s upsetting you? Do you have any control over it? Can you change it? If not, let it go! I know that sounds very simplistic but it really is that simple. Speak words that are positive. Doing that one thing will work miracles! Words have power! Use them to your advantage by speaking positively and see the difference it will make in your attitude.
Give yourself grace, exercise mindfulness, and surround yourself with like-minded people but most of all…..HAVE FUN!
Believe It!
Being positive is all about joy! It doesn’t mean your life will always be perfect but when it’s less than perfect you can have joy….regardless of your circumstances. Believe it and you can do it! But remember, it all starts as a thought. When you can keep your thoughts more positive, it really can make a huge difference in your life.
I hope this has helped you and if it has, leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you! And make sure to subscribe so you can get all the latest sent straight to your inbox. Have a great day, my friend.
Blessings, Becky