I used to let my thoughts control me and now I control my thoughts. It is not an easy process.
The first thing you need to establish is what direction do you want your thoughts to go? Right now what is your mind craving? There is usually some underlying theme that rules your thought process. It could be wealth, it could be acceptance, it may be sexual gratification.
If those or any of a multitude of others is the driving force behind your thoughts you need to evaluate whether those things that motivate your thoughts have been continually helpful, or if at times they have left you feeling less than satisfied.
If it’s the latter then it’s time to take control of your thoughts and show them who’s boss.
We all know that if you just say I’m not going to think about bananas, the first thing you’re going to do is think about them more, which eventually will drive you bananas. Sorry I couldn’t help myself.
So the next thing you need to identify is what do you want to replace those thoughts with? Maybe you could start thinking about a new passion or Hobby and let that be the focus of your thoughts. But will that new direction satisfy you entirely? Probably not.
So why do we need or even want to change what we think about? For me the answer was I wanted to be a better person. Just as simple as that. I was tired of continually hurting others and falling short of my expectations of myself.
Maybe you want to change your thoughts because you’re overweight and food is at the core of all you think about. There has to be a reason or motivation to change.
So what is the problem with just thinking about whatever comes to mind? It wouldn’t be too bad if it just stayed in our head. But it doesn’t. What we think affects how we feel. Those feelings or emotions are a powerful driving force in our lives. They can make us act out or act on those thoughts and that’s not always a good thing.
If you can look yourself in the mirror and say that my thoughts can be openly and honestly shared with others, and I will not be ashamed or embarrassed to share them, then you can stop reading right here. I am happy for you, and more than likely God is at the center of all you think and do.
But if you are still reading then it’s time to reevaluate your life and decide if you want to continue hiding those thoughts that are not fit for human consumption, or do you want to be content with who you see in the mirror?
Where do you want to focus your thoughts, on the things of this world which have always left you feeling less than fulfilled, or on the things of God which are pure, honest, and true? At this time I’d like you to stop reading and honestly reflect on your life and what direction you want it to go in. Take all the time you need an hour a day a week. Then if you truly want to change finish reading this article.
Do you want to have lasting change in your life? Are you ready to commit your life and your thoughts into God’s hands? Then now is the time to give it all to him. Please read this prayer out loud if you are ready to follow your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, I am a sinner and I need your forgiveness. I believe that you died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. You did what I could not do for myself and in humility I accept your gift of Grace. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. Amen.
With that prayer you are now on the road to a deeper more meaningful life. A life with purpose and direction. Congratulations you have just started the Journey of Renewing Your Mind.
When I first started to change the way I think some things came easier than others. For instance it was easy for me to stop cussing. I just made a conscious effort not to do it. Piece of cake. But other thoughts weren’t so easy. Sexual thoughts controlled every moment of my waking day and even in my dreams it was overwhelming to say the least.
God gives us the tools we need to overcome these thoughts that are not Christ-like. Let’s talk about some of those tools and how you can apply them in your lives.
The first thing is to not let those thoughts get into our heads to begin with. We are bombarded with visual images all the time. Our brains are like cameras every image is a snapshot stored and cataloged for later use. So the obvious thing is to avert our eyes to things that will corrupt our thought process. The following verse is a good place to start. “We fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
All of our senses feed the brain with new information every day. It is essential that we limit our diet to things that are not detrimental to our Spiritual growth.
Now that we’re limiting what we take into our minds, how do we clean house with what’s already there?
When our minds start wandering toward the things of this world, such as anger, pride, lust, greed, alcohol, drugs and more vices than I am willing to share in this column, we need to replace those thoughts with God’s Word. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to find scripture that will put your mind in a better place. “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou O Lord, teach me thy statutes. Psalm 119:11-12
Start by finding scripture that speaks to your heart, that YOU can relate to at that time, at that moment. Read it, and stop and read it again. Meditate on it, make it a part of who you are. Find a key verse that sums up what you just read, and memorize it.
I know that some of you struggle with memorizing anything. I was the same way. But I have found that the best way to remember scripture is to write it out with pen and paper. Don’t get on your computer and type it out. You will be distracted with other things. Sit in a quiet place and write it down. Then on an index card write down the location, chapter and verse number of that scripture. Try to remember short parts, little pieces. For example, the scripture “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 Just start with small chunks- Thy Word is. Then think of what His Word is to you- a lamp unto my feet. This is a simple example and it is the first scripture I memorized. Try it, and you will eventually have an arsenal of scripture that you can call on when your mind goes astray. By writing the verse location on an index card you will eventually be able to memorize the location as well.
So, now anytime a thought pops in your head that is not Christ-like you can recite scripture to get your mind in the right direction. After awhile you will find that you are controlling your mind and your mind isn’t controlling you!
Another way to keep a healthy mind is to visualize God’s creation. A sunset, the ocean rolling in to the shore, a soaring bird, anything that is wholesome and pure. For me this technique has proven to be difficult at times. My childlike imagination has diminished. But, it is possible to restore that vivid imagination.
Take a photo of a nature scene and look at it for a few seconds, close your eyes and try to visualize that photo. If the image becomes blurred or you can’t see it. Open your eyes and repeat the process. After awhile you will have images in your mind that you can call on to take you to a better place.
Finally, put the needs of others above your own. If it isn’t all about you, your mind will be more in tune with Christ. As we do His will, we will change the way we think. It’s as simple as that. “Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3
It is my fervent prayer that you will renew your mind and live a life that is pleasing to God. Show your mind who’s boss and you will reap benefits beyond your expectations.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2