Think On These Things

Focus Verse: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

I recently had to ask God for forgiveness for worshipping my problems. How do I know I was worshipping my problems? Because that’s what I ALLOWED to consume my mind, more then Christ. Can you relate? 

Similarly, when I’m not feeling well, often times I have to question what I’ve been focusing on. Have you ever been emotionally “down” for want you thought was no reason at all? You just weren’t feeling well but couldn’t quite put your finger on why?

We can’t allow our minds to roam freely and entertain whatever thoughts enter. It is important that we discipline ourselves and begin to think about what we’re thinking about. It’s impossible for us to have our mind on things above, Colossians 3:2, if we are not mindful of what’s on our mind.

When we have allowed our thoughts to aimlessly wonder and ponder everything that comes to mind, initially being mindful of our thoughts can be difficult. However, it doesn’t have to remain that way.  Here are 3 simple steps to create a practice of thinking about what you are thinking about.

• Pray.

It may sound cliche, but honestly this is the only way to experience success in this area. Pray and ask God to reveal to you when your thoughts don’t line up with His so you have the opportunity to change them to thoughts that do. Philippians 2:5

• Consistently evaluate.

Schedule several random times throughout the day where you stop and think about what’s on your mind. This will be the only way you will find out what type of thoughts you frequently entertain.

• Choose to change.

Researches have said the mind thinks 60K- 80K thoughts a day. That’s 2,500- 3,300 thoughts per hour! With that many thoughts per hour, it’s impossible to entertain all of them. However, a nice amount of them do get deposited into our mental bank and sometimes stay longer than we realize. When you recognize your thoughts don’t line up with the word of God, you have to choose to change them to God honoring thoughts.

Will you take these steps today in order to start thinking about what you are thinking about?

Prayer: All knowing God, thank You for providing in Your word what I should consistently be thinking about. I have regularly entertained thoughts that where not consistent with Your word, please forgive me. Your word instructs me to cast down every thought that exhaust itself against the knowledge of You. I can only do that with Your help. I vow on today that I will begin to be mindful of what’s on my mind. In Jesus’ name Amen.