YOUR THOUGHTS CAN STRENGTHEN YOU
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. —PHILIPPIANS 4:8
I have often said, “Think about what you’re thinking about.” This simply means to pay attention to your thoughts. The enemy and the world around you will bombard your mind with things for you to think about, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not you will follow them. Thinking about the wrong things will drain your strength and vigor, while thinking about the right things actually energizes you. Let me ask you today: Where do you put most of your mental energy? Do your thoughts cause you to relive painful circumstances or focus on situations that did not turn out as you had hoped? Do you recall past sins or mistakes? Or, in contrast, do you use your mental energy to focus on all that is good in your life, on making the most of the present and preparing for a great future? Pay attention today to what you’re thinking about. Don’t let your mind wander anywhere it wants to go. Instead, discipline your thoughts in such a way that they will help you and strengthen you instead of holding you back or taking you into negative territory.
“Father, I don’t want to pour any more effort into negative thinking. Help me to direct my mental energy in positive ways that will strengthen me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
