Month: November 2020

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he – Prov. 23:7 AMP. With this verse in mind, it is therefore imperative to evaluate our thoughts.

My Doctor has ordered me to do a COVID test due to my symptoms, she stated, my heart skipped a beat. Few days before then, we had spent most of the day together. There were so many thoughts running through my head as I tried to calm her down. Let’s stay hopeful I said; I know you don’t have the virus. The call ended and my throat started to feel funny; it was a huge battle to think of something else. Enough! I said to myself and I started declaring God’s word. To God’s glory, the test was negative.

The previous publication elaborates on the power of our mind and tips on how to fix our thoughts. Here, I will discuss the importance of our thoughts and how to evaluate them.

Why are thoughts important?

May be you are wondering, what is the big deal about thoughts? Our thoughts are reflections of the state of our hearts and our hearts matter to God. Furthermore, the output of our hearts matters to God. Also, our thoughts often metamorphose into words and actions which can become our reality.

1. The healing of the woman with the issue of blood started with a single thought.  Mark 5:28NLT: For she thought, “If I just touch His clothing, I will get well.” Her thought coupled with her faith was the gateway to her healing.
2. Eliab (David’s brother) was not chosen as the King because of the state of his heart – 1 Samuel 16:7.
3. Our anxious thoughts can take our focus off God and make us concentrate on the vastness of our challenges. An example is Sara. Gen.18:12NIV- So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought,” After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

How to evaluate thoughts?

We evaluate our thoughts using God’s word; His word exposes our innermost thoughts: For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Heb 4:12NLT

Here’s a tool to evaluate our thoughts:

Finally friends, the guaranteed way to experience perfect peace is to fix your thoughts on God. It takes practice, you have a part to play; allow God to play His part as well.

You will keep in perfect peace all that trusts in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. – Isaiah 26:3 NLT.

Shalom

Take your position and illuminate the world with your light!

We have been called to make a difference, so determine today to be a Torchbearer.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 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.” Philippians 4:8NLT

“Are you even listening to me at all, what are you thinking about Mum?” she queried. Her voice jolted me back to reality. I am sorry honey, I replied. I got lost in my thoughts for a minute.

It is fascinating how the brain can process thoughts in less than 150 milliseconds and how quickly our thoughts can shift back and forth, that is why it is important to fix our thoughts on the right things.

The mind is a power tool; nevertheless the mind of a believer is a mighty weapon that must be used the right way so that we can live an overflowing life. Thoughts originate from the minds/hearts and often metamorphose into words, actions, and finally form our character. Likewise,the Preacher said: Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Prov. 4:23 GNT.

Similarly,God speaks to our hearts through our thoughts; a right heart allows an uninterrupted flow of communication.

Tips on how to fix your thoughts

There is a spiritual and physical aspect to thoughts process. As a believer, God can change the way we think, but we also have a part to play in controlling our thoughts.

“Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and do pleasing to him.” Roman 12:2 CEV.

God’s part: The Holy Spirit has the ability to renew our thoughts and attitude to make them pleasing to God. Are you struggling with thoughts of despair, anxiety, anger, bitterness, pride, difficulty with submission, mediocrity, low self esteem, competition, envy or any other thought you cannot discuss with others? Take it to God; He has the power to fix your thoughts. Let your prayer be a change in the way you think.

Our part: As God’s children, we have the mind of God. It is imperative to put a strong filter on the input our mind receives. Learn to take charge of your own spirit, it is your responsibility. Feed your minds daily with godly, positive, and encouraging words.

“We pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.”2Corinth.2:5GNB.

This passage clearly defines our responsibility. The pronoun, we in this passage refers to you and I. We are to take every thought captive. We evaluate the thoughts using God’s word and decide whether to allow it to stay, nourish and grow it or to resist and rebuke it.