Have you ever thought about what you think about? Is your mind screaming for peace? Moreover, is your mind a hot spot in a crisis zone just barely making it through the confusion and chaos you face? Is there a connection between your thoughts and actions?
In the last 30 plus years much research has been done on the mind and the brain. I have read after various neuroscientists and their findings amaze me. Our Creator has fit us together more wonderfully than we can imagine. When we place the scientific research alongside the Bible it helps us to see that God knew all along what He was talking about.
The Importance of Our Thoughts
There is a definite link between our thoughts and actions. What we think about determines how we act. Who we will be tomorrow is a direct result of our thoughts today. When we intentionally turn our mind toward God’s way of thinking things happen in our brain. With God’s help we can change the destructive thought patterns that have been wreaking havoc in our lives.
The psalmist David, knew this to be true. He meditated on the truths of God. In fact, it was David that gave to us that prayer in the Psalms.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14
David knows that what we think about will impact our actions. The word ‘heart’ in the Hebrew has a variety of definitions. Not the least of these would be mind, will, understanding, and reflection. David’s cry from the heart was that God would help him to keep the thoughts of his mind acceptable or pleasing in God’s sight.
When David found himself in a crisis situation and despair cloaked his thinking, he chose to “encourage himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6). It was his choice to turn his thoughts away from the distress and onto God. This action impacted the rest of the story. It’s a classic story of thoughts becoming action. Because of his intentional choice, victory resulted.
When we find our thoughts stuck in the ruts of distress and despair, turn to God’s Word. Fix your mind on God. Take captive those thoughts that are in contradiction to what you know to be true of God. Those strongholds of destructive thinking can be vanquished through the weapons that are made mighty through God. (2 Cor. 10:4-5) Our thoughts must be God-centered. The values and patterns that we put in place should be molded by God’s Word.
Stop and think about what you are thinking about. Your thoughts shape who you are. Change your thoughts and you will ultimately change your actions. It’s not a quick-fix scheme, but intentional, purposeful steps toward letting your thoughts be pleasing in God’s sight.
Evaluate What You Think About
Consider the fact that Paul wrote one of the most joyful books of the Bible while he was in prison. In fact, in this small book Paul used the word joy or its equivalent 16 times. He could have looked at his circumstances and found himself taking up residence in the stronghold of despair. However, he chose to fix his thinkin on the reality of God instead of the reality of his circumstances.
Paul had learned the importance of what he thought about. Furthermore, he gave to us a blueprint on what thoughts we need to be thinking.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4:8
When you consider your thoughts, do they withstand the scrutiny of this verse? Or do they fall short of this template given to us by Paul? Evaluate what you think about. Next, intentionally choose to fix your thoughts on those things that are God-honoring. In so doing, you will find your mind becoming less chaotic and your actions pleasing to God. Furthermore, when we stay our minds on God, peace will result. (Isaiah 26:3) His peace will guard our hearts and minds as we choose to encourage ourselves in the LORD.
Just before that verse about what we are to think about Paul gives us other invaluable advice. In short, he says something like this.
Rejoice always. Worry about nothing. Pray about everything. Fix your thoughts. When you do, God’s peace will guard your mind.
Your thoughts matter. They are connected to your actions. What thoughts do you need to take captive today? Don’t let worry and fear define your actions. Determine to let God define the thoughts you think. Subsequently, your actions will be God honoring. Let your mind be hemmed in by God’s peace as you keep your thoughts pleasing in his sight.
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