You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3 – emphasis mine)
We don’t often give much thought to our thoughts. As a result, it is easy to become a “victim” of negative and anxious thoughts that distract us from what is important and literally zap the joy right out of living. It is for me that is!
We may set a guard over our mouths, but how often do we set a guard over our minds? We let our minds run the show. The thoughts that control us at any moment depend on what is going on in our life at the time, or any bitterness we may be clinging onto. And I know from experience that this kind of living weighs you down and completely drains you emotionally! It robs you and the people around you who need you.
Thankfully this is not how God intends for his children to live! It is amazing to me how God’s truths are, again and again, proved by science. Before science was telling us the power our minds hold even in regards to our health (anxiety often results in a myriad of illnesses), God’s word was encouraging us to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and to not be anxious about anything, but rather to take our concerns to God (Philippians 4:6-7).
I have certainly not arrived when it comes to practicing this, but I can honestly say that the emotional stress that comes from worry and negative thinking has dramatically decreased in my life as I have put into practice God’s truths in regards to my mind. As I trust God not just with my mouth, but with my thoughts as well, amazing things have happened! I talk about how trusting God has changed my life more than anything here. It happened several years ago and I feel like for the first time ever I have peace (and it’s not because life has been easy sailing). If God can do this for a worry-prone person like me, I know that he can do it for you as well!
I would love to hear how God has worked in regards to your thought life and mind! Or answer any questions you might have for how this has worked in my life.
Here are a couple of verses to put to thought (emphasis mine)…
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)
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