Thoughts become our words; Words become our actions; Actions become our habits; Habits become our character; and Character, becomes our destiny.
A familiar quote! and we all know the importance of positive thinking to handle this life. But, yet we also know that controlling our thoughts is the most difficult task !
Many may claim to be positive thinkers, until
an upset in our planned events and schedules or
a set back in our plans, expectations and disappointments or
our own limitations, failures or
the behavior of people around us -their actions, words, or
experiencing deceit and undeserved or
anxiety of future and fear,
influences our thoughts and then our moods.
When we experience the above, our positive and happy thoughts, changes to the negative and according to each one’s scenario even without us realizing it.
We may carry within us,
irritable thoughts – anxious thoughts – selfish thoughts – insufficient and limitative thoughts – self depreciating thoughts – ignorant thoughts – intrusive thoughts – lethargic thoughts -thoughts of fear – bitter and angry thoughts – thoughts of vengeance – self righteous thoughts – wicked thoughts.
Many are able to bounce back after a while, yet there are many who indulge in these negative thoughts and fall into a deeper rut, unable to handle their tasks or even the basic duties of the day.
But still for everyone, our thoughts influences our words, actions and create our character and determine how we live this life !
What does God’s word say about these thoughts?
Last article we saw about ‘the Exchange’ that happens at the cross.
Can these thoughts that destroy our journey, be exchanged at the Cross ?
Thorns !
These negative thoughts arising from our anxieties and worries of the world are like ‘thorns’ that choke our soul and does not allow us to grow and give fruit as we are supposed to. (Luke 8:14)
Crown of thorns !
Imagine yourself collecting all the thorns (negative thoughts),
Lifting it up to the cross and placing it on Jesus as a ‘Crown of thorns’ – (we know we are hurting him but have no other go).
We hurt him but The blood of Jesus because of our thorns, falls on us and the ‘Exchange‘ takes place.
The Exchange at the Cross !
1* He replaces our negative thoughts with HIS thoughts for us !
“For I know the thoughts that I think concerning you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you the end that you wait for.” Jeremiah 29:11
If we identify that negative thought in us and look up to God for help; unknowingly, He fills our mind with thoughts of peace and goodness ! He inspires us with His Goodness and Mercy already prepared for us and inspires us to run in that journey eliminating these disruptive thoughts !
2* He replaces our negative thoughts with HIS vision !
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; …. your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” Joel 2:28
The Lord shall fill the young one’s mind with a vision and give them the inspiration, wisdom, strength to go towards it. The old one’s dreams He will rekindle and open doors for them and they shall see it come to pass !
All we have to do is to,
* Capture our thoughts when it is against God’s promises and His desires (2 cor 10:5) and place it on Him.
* ‘Train our mind to think of whatever is true – noble – right – pure – lovely – admirable – excellent or praiseworthy…. And the God of peace will be with you.’ Philippians 4:8,9
It is not easy. But if we desire and take efforts to do this and start small, God will help us to accomplish this – not by our might but by His Spirit!
* Whenever a repetitive thought about a past experience comes to your mind, ask yourself a question, ” Am I meditating on God’s deeds OR a deed of a person? “
So next time, when your thoughts are deviating from the positive,
Remember to collect these thorns and
Go to Jesus on the cross and place it on him as a ‘Crown of thorns’.
In the place of the negative and disruptive, you will experience ‘thoughts of Peace’ and your mind will be filled with ‘His vision for us’ inspiring us to go forward in our journey joyfully, to experience all the ‘Goodness and Mercy’ He has prepared for us !
the LIGHT of the morning 