Life circumstances, one difficult experience after the next, and childhood trauma crumbled any foundation I could have stood on. My mind was a mess, held back by anxiety, insecure thoughts, fears, faulty confidences and lies that appeared as truth. My imagination ran wild with what- if scenarios because I struggled with anxiety all my life. If you are familiar with anxiety, then you understand how easily it is to get stuck in your mind. Before you know it, one negative thought leads to another.

 It wasn’t until my mid-thirties that I became aware of my thought-life and how important all the inner chatter I had going on was. Becoming a Christian, my faith led me to see clearer, open up to forgiveness, and evaluate who I was by a different standard. My faith beckoned me to make changes, especially in the negative thought patterns I had suffered in. The Bible was opening my eyes to this, and it was the Bible that taught me life giving biblical and practical principles to apply, thus teaching me to be reflective and purposeful in my thinking. One of the scriptures I use as a guide to instruct my thoughts was written by the Apostle Paul. At the time, Paul had been imprisoned. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

I imagine prison to be a place where discouragement and negativity abounds much like growing up in a dysfunctional and broken household. Yet Paul’s faith in God helped him to remain steadfast, thinking about his purpose in Christ. Knowing Christ equipped Paul to face difficult circumstances with a heart filled with hope. What Paul is saying through the scriptures is that when you grow to know God and his word, even if things are troublesome, you can choose to fill your mind with truth that sets you free.

Through many experiences, I’ve learned the hard way about how thoughts eventually lead to words, feelings, and actions. Thoughts all have the power to create certain attitudes and unhealthy thinking patterns. Biblical knowledge and awareness can build up, encourage, renew thoughts that create a healthy perspective. Like Paul, we can line up our thoughts under the authority of God’s word. I don’t always do this right, but when I do I am inspired to be a positive and hopeful person even when life is challenging.

 I realize there are many things we are not in control of just like the season Paul endured in prison for his faith. We too will run across overwhelming and difficult circumstances. Perhaps it is another sleepless night, the absence of a husband, a difficult child, job loss, or a scary medical diagnosis; those things are hard, and it will take faith to endure. Our faith in Christ is the foundation which we will stand on. We are defined by the word of God, not tossed around by any thought or trend of the day. Choosing life giving thoughts trickles down from a relationship with Christ and thoughts are one of those amazing things that we can choose. Our thoughts can bless or steal from us. So let’s stand on solid foundation today, taking advice from Paul, and fix our mind on good things.

Dear God, please help us to recognize when our thinking falls short. Teach us your ways so that we can live a life that glorifies you. In times of trouble, may we think about good things, remembering all that we are taught in the scriptures. Let us Remember that we now have the mind of Christ.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

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