Our minds are like sponges, and what we surround ourselves with, our minds will soak up. You get and become what you put in. Proverbs 15:14 says, “A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash” (NLT).
Unfortunately, we can often let our minds be occupied with what I call “stinking thinking”, where we allow toxic thoughts or things that weaken our minds and faith to take root in our life.
Jesus says that when you choose to make Him a part of your life, you are given the “mind of Christ’. To have the mind of Christ means to think as Jesus thinks. (Colossians 3:1-2)
But as you might guess, our thoughts are often not Jesus’ thoughts (see Is. 55:8). What we base our beliefs, ideas and thoughts on are often based on our perceptions developed because of our families and life experiences.
The Bible tells us it is possible to have the mind of Christ despite our life history. We are to “be transformed by the renewing of our mind.” (Rom. 12:2)
This is why I have a technique where I imagine taking a net and catching each thought as it flits about in my mind. Throughout the day, I determine to pull down each thought I am thinking and examine it to see whether it is a productive, positive thought. If it isn’t, I take hold of it, give it to Jesus to take care of, and then replace it with what He says.
I focus on thinking about “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Today I encourage you to put this strategy into practice in your life. Take time to examine your thoughts and to check whether they align with God’s word about your life and future. Are they true, right, admirable and excellent thoughts worth thinking about?
Read and listen to His word and the encouragement of people who know Him and build you up, and choose to fill your thoughts with what God says in His word. Try downloading a favourite promise and encouragement on your phone, put it on your screen saver, pin-board or wherever you see it as a reminder of what God says about your life.
If you have been troubled with your thoughts and, as a result, how you feel about your life and future, especially take time throughout the day with Jesus, and challenge the validity of any thoughts to determine whether they are true or not.
When we fix our minds on Jesus, it means fixing our thoughts on His goodness, what He says, who He is, and His promises. As you do this, it causes hope to rise, and hope causes activity in your mind that will change the structure of your brain in a positive direction creating health and wholeness.
“He will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are fixed on Him.” (Isaiah 26:3)
“Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things..and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4: 8-9)
Prayer: Lord, I want to be strong-minded and free of any stinking thinking that is contrary to what you say about my life. Please help me to take the time to think more deeply about the promises in your word than I do about everything else going on around me. I receive and hold onto your peace today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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