Change your way of thinking

« 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)

Stop thinking about your problems; you don’t have more than other people, you just think about them too much! By focusing on a problem, you are actually magnifying it and giving it more power over your soul.

Think about the implications of this sentence: « What you think determines how you feel. » In other words, your thoughts are the source of your emotions, not the other way around. To feel an emotion, a thought must first arise in your mind, which will then cause that emotion in you. This simple truth can change your life. Change the way you think and you will change your emotional life. If you often fall prey to negative emotions, anger, bitterness, defeatism etc… it is because you have tolerated too many negative thoughts in your mind.

Change takes time, but it’s never too late to start. Saint Francis of Assisi said: « Beware of your thoughts and words because they may determine what you will experience. » Our thoughts, often shaped by the environment in which we have grown up and in which we operate every day, are also largely influenced by the media.

However, no one is forcing you to think one way or another. Mental discipline is your privilege and your responsibility. You are free, your thoughts belong to you! This means that you have full power over your thoughts: either you agree to let yourself be influenced, or you take back control. Let the word of God renew your mind. Then, intentionally take your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ and His word.

ACTION POINT: How can I change my way of thinking?
1. Take the first step by acting with your negative thoughts as if they were flies: drive them away as soon as they annoy you and replace them with thoughts (good and worthy of praise).
2. Then think about God’s goodness to you. David said: « My soul, bless the Lord and do not forget any of his blessings. » (Psalm 103: 2-4)
If you really want to change the way you live, start to change the way you think.

PRAYER TARGET: Ask the Lord to help you change your way of thinking. For example: « Lord, may my words always be in harmony with whoever I want to be, and with what I wish to obtain from life. I want it, I can and I will receive it : My God you are with me. May my way of thinking, speaking and acting correctly protect me. May everything I say out loud be in my favor and not against me. »