Toxic Thoughts

Read:

Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you can test and approve God’s will – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Think:

We all know how much our thoughts affect our lives. Look at some of the popular quotes:

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Teddy Roosevelt

“Our thoughts make us what we are.” Dale Carnegie

Paul, in Romans, challenges us to “renew our minds.” The Greek word for renew literally means “renovation.” Transformation happens when our minds undergo a renovation. We are familiar with the word renovation because we have watched the HGTV channel. Someone wants to change their home’s appearance, fix something that’s broken, or maybe just update it, so they do a renovation. Today you may need a renovation or a renewal. You may be fixated on broken and damaged thoughts. You may be dealing with regret and shame.

Are you focused on the things that could go wrong? Do you feel overwhelmed and defeated most of the time? It is time to change your thought patterns. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Take every thought captive.” This isn’t easy! It is a fight, a battle. With the help of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we can counteract guilt, shame, and toxic thoughts. This takes commitment to study the Bible and to seek Jesus. But, over time, we will discover victory over unhealthy thought patterns.

Act:

What you think matters. Today, make a list of three of your toxic thoughts. Look up scriptures that address your triggers by going online and searching for “Scripture that addresses _____.”

Pray:

God, thank You for walking through this with me. Thank You that You have prepared a way and will protect me. Amen.