Can we really train our thoughts? Is it possible to escape all that clouds our view of glory each day? Yes, it is! We can take charge of our thoughts. We can train our minds to focus not on the circumstance, but the God who is in us the very moment that unknown circumstance hits us like an out of control fast-pitch ball.
Remember who you are and whose you are!
"Finally, brethren, 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." Philippians 4:8
We are given these seven virtues by our God who knows us so well. He knows exactly where our minds can stray. He too gives us just what we are to not think upon. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He knows that thought before it takes hold in our mind. Our All-Knowing God sees before we can know what our next thought will be. Yes, that's how much He loves us! He's ready and knowing just what each of us need. There isn't a circumstance we will face today that He isn't already present and waiting.
"Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:25-32
He goes even deeper and gives us just what we need for the journey's walk. We have a God who has thought out everything possible for us as we take this faith walk with Him. He has left nothing out, but has given all so that we lack nothing. We are equipped to face every moment of the day without excuse of not being ready or lacking something for the excursion.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
If we can live out daily these characteristics given by our God, everything changes. Our countenance changes. Our heart changes. Our minds begin to Jesus focus!
Think of the peace within our hearts that will come when we simply change our thought process. This is life living with no regrets. These characteristics encompass Christian love, Jesus love.
As we meditate on these things we are giving room for God and opening up room to have an intimate time with Him, not only for a few minutes, but throughout our day. As we allow Him room to live through us our thoughts, our actions, our words, all follow what are heart and mind are centered upon, Jesus.
When we truly make Him first of every thought, we allow Him to take captive all that is present in our being. As soon as a thought enters that we know shouldn't be there we can surrender that to Him right then and there, not only asking Him to remove it, but to replace it. It is possible to give command of our thoughts over to God. We must live determined and be aware of what enters our mind.
We don't want to just ignore negative thoughts. When we do they still remain present and that gives room for Satan to grow them until they take root deep within us. Once we make ourselves aware, give them over to our Lord, there isn't room left for Satan to take our thoughts captive.
This is so important because our thoughts have such control over us. If we allow thoughts like bitterness, jealousy, and lust to control us, they will take root and grow even stronger. But when we speak them over to God, asking Him to remove them and replace them, it gives room for His characteristics to fill us and overflow from our lips into our actions.
Prayer, reading God's Word, journaling, Christian music, books that stir the heart to Jesus, these are all positive structures that will lead us to living a life filled with Jesus thoughts.
We make a choice of what we allow into our minds each moment of the day. Let God take captive every thought, filling us with all goodness, grace, and mercy renewed.
"Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2
