(This was a really hard one for me to write. I cried so many times because I am not only an overthinker but I have broken and damaged thoughts. Don’t worry; you are not going through this alone. I am with you through this.)
Devotional:
Mind Renovation
We’ve probably all heard how much out thoughts impact out lives. While theologians, leaders, authors, self-help gurus, and CEOs may have different viewpoints about life and politics. Most agree that out thoughts are incredibly important and dictate the trajectory of our lives. Take a look at some of these popular quotes:
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
Henry Ford
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Teddy Roosevelt
“The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.”
Marcus Aurelius
“Our thoughts makes us what we are.”
Dale Carnegie
The Apostle Paul challenges us at the beginning of Romans 12 to “not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of out minds.” The Greek word for the word renewing is anakainōsis and it literally means renovation. So, according to the verse, out transformation occurs when out mind undergoes a renovation.
We know that a renovation happens when someone wants to change the appearance of their home or business. Maybe it’s because something is broken or damaged or perhaps it just needs to be updated. A mind renovation is similar.
What kind of renovation does your mind need?
Maybe you’re still focused on the broken and damages thoughts you’ve been thinking for years. It could be that you’ve been playing an outdated recording in your mind that someone said to you during your childhood. Do you find yourself constantly complaining? It is easier for you to fixate on the things that could go wrong in your life? Are you jealous and envious of others and how their lives seem better than yours? Do you feel overwhelmed and defeated by how you view yourself?
Whether we usually have a positive outlook on life or we struggle every day with what our minds obsess over, we could all use some guidance when it comes to our thoughts. Often, we refer to unwanted thought as negative or bad. but what they really are is toxic.
While many of our thoughts may not have much value, plenty do. Some are incredible thoughts that impact others for the better, while many of out thoughts are bent toward that negative. So, it’s true that we can’t change every thought that needs changing. We can think about out thoughts and attempt to change the ones that are toxic.
Over the next four days, we will learn how to test our thoughts, capture toxic thoughts, fix out thoughts on Jesus, and make a plan to put it into practice.
Reflect:
* Think about your most common thoughts. How do they make you feel?
* In what area of your thought life do you need a renovation?
Verse:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sister, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
All the love,
Cheyenne
Break The Comfort Box! 