Change your thinking
‘…If anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.’ Philippians 4:8
How many of us genuinely think we have more to worry about than others? The truth is, you and I do not have MORE problems than other people – maybe we just think about them more often!
Stop! Hang on a minute! Read that again. If you are feeling overwhelmed today, take a moment and consider why. What I am saying is this: It is what you allow yourself to THINK about that produces how you FEEL.
If you do not believe that, try getting angry without first having angry thoughts, or getting sad without first having sad thoughts. You cannot do it, can you? Similarly you can’t be content, unless you think about all that God has given you.
To experience a feeling you must first have the thought that produces it. That is life-changing information my friends! It is knowledge the devil doesn’t want you to have. If you change how you think you will change how you feel! Nothing can hold your negative feelings in place other than your own thinking. (YOU) The truth is, it is your thinking that is negative not your life! Once you understand that you can get back on the path to contentment and happiness again.
But as with any change, it takes time. You probably did not become negative overnight and you won’t become positive overnight. But you can start. How? By doing two things: First, by treating your negative thoughts in the same way you treat wasps at a picnic! Get them off your sandwich and don’t allow them to land in your yoghurt!
Replace them with thoughts that are ‘excellent and praiseworthy.’ You have that choice!
Second, by thinking about God’s goodness. David said, ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies’ (Psalm 103:2-4).
My Mum was told yesterday that she has some more treatment needed as there is some more cancer present on her eye. Her attitude was wonderful. It was excellent and praiseworthy. She was full of faith and hope. Faced with bad news you have two choices. Feel bad about the bad news.
Feel good about the One who can handle any bad news.
Its easy. And hard.
My Grandad had a wonderful saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather – only the wrong clothes.”
Clothe yourself in truth today.
If you are serious about changing your life, start changing how you think!