It’s the thought that counts, right?
Volumes have been written about how to think!
The Power of Postive Thinking
Think and Grow Rich
Mind Hacking
These are great books to learn from. But, as a person who aims to follow the teachings of Christ, I also want to know what the Bible has to say about thoughts. Philippians 4:8 tells us clearly what we should think about.
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
That makes perfect sense! Put simply: Think positive thoughts. It seems really basic. But, if you are human, it is easier said than done. Right?
It’s interesting to note that what comes right before the positive thoughts passage is a “do not worry” passage. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” In other words, this scripture also tells us what we shouldn’t be thinking about.
But, worries aren’t the only thing that can consume our thoughts.
What are some other things that can be negative thought problems? 
Jot down what captures your mind at times.
Here are some others to consider:
Regret
Disappointment
Self Doubt
Anger
Shame
Temptations
Conflicts
What others think
Anything else?
It sounds so easy to think positive thoughts but most of us struggle periodically with having not so positive thoughts.
I recently learned of a book called The 5 Second Rule that encourages people to count backward 5,4,3,2,1 in order to “flip a switch” in the brain, so to speak. It is touted as a powerful way to think so you can do what you intend to do even though you don’t feel like it. For example, if your morning alarm goes off and you know you SHOULD get up but you don’t FEEL like getting up, counting backward will help you actually overcome the negative thoughts of not getting up. Well, I’m no neuroscientist, but I believe the author, Mel Robbins, is on to something. She is giving people a way to take charge of their thoughts and turn them into positive actions.
And, it’s not unlike the verse in II Corinthians that says, “We take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.”
I want to encourage you today to stand in strength (along with me!) when it comes to your thinking. As humans, we have a lot more power than we utilize. And, as believers, we have the power of God, available for the asking! The truth is, as Henry Ford said, “Whether we think we can or can’t, we’re right.”
Don’t miss having a GREAT moment or a great day due to wrong thoughts. And, in the end, since life is made up of days, thinking correctly leads to acting correctly which leads to better days and a significantly more positive life.
It really is the thought that counts! Think positive!