Devotional:
Fix Your Thoughts
When we fill our thoughts with the right things, the wrong ones have no room to enter.
Joyce Meyer
Testing our thoughts and leaning to take them captive is a huge part of the mental battle we have with our thoughts. So, when we can learn to do that as a regular practice. we will gain control over our thoughts.
What if we chose to be more proactive with our thoughts in order to prevent reacting late on? Yes, there will still be thoughts that have to be tested and take captive, of course. For we are not perfect. We can, however, choose to follow through with Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 3:2 NIV. Which says, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” In setting out minds on “things above” we will have less thoughts that need testing and being taken captive.
When we set out minds, we are striving for something and directing out mind toward a certain thing. This verse says we shouldn’t set out minds on earthly things. Those “earthly things” usually distract us and cause our thoughts to keep up from Gods’ best.
There are plenty of things we see every day that are out of our control. But, much of what we see can be prevented. What we put in front of out eyes is a very big deal! If you feel that your have too many toxic thoughts; what is it that could be causing them? Could it be things on social media, movies, tv shows, news, in magazines, being around bad friends, through war, abuse… amongst other factors. It’s wise to analyze the things we are viewing daily and ask God to show us what would ne a good thing to decrease or eliminate altogether.
Much like we need to watch what we put in front of our eyes; we also need to consider what is going into our ears. What we affects our thoughts just as much as what we see. Have you noticed what types of music, books, or podcasts possibly cause toxic thought in your mind? Are there things you need in include, not just remove, that will build you up and help create healthy thoughts instead?
Instead of focusing on and setting our sights on things that could cause toxic thoughts. Let’s be proactively mindful of what we choose to put in front of us. When we choose things that honor God and keep us pure in heart; we will have less thoughts to test and take captive.
Reflect:
– What tends to be you struggle? What you watch or what you listen to?
– List the biggest thing you need to eliminate from what you normally watch or listen to. Chances are you already know what that is. Give it up for 21 days and see what a difference you see in your thought life.
Verses to look up
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
colossians 3:2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lost heart.
hebrews 12:1-3
All the love,
Cheyenne
Break The Comfort Box! 