Have you ever noticed how an offense from an outer source, or a thought from within can wreck your day if you allow it to stay in your thoughts? I can be like a dog on a bone when I let a thought take me over. Before I know it, I’m muttering to myself and maybe huffing around the house with a yucky look on my face.
Have you ever heard the saying, “The man follows the mind”? Our friend Rick calls it “Letting the maniac in my head run me”!
That is why it is so important to halt those thoughts straight away. I was reading this scripture the other day:
Psalm 18:29 For by Thee I can run upon a troop; and by my God I can leap over a wall. (NASB)
I saw it in a different way as I read it. I saw it as thoughts and walls we put up in our minds that keep us from walking in peace. We put them there when we’re anxious, offended, mad, hurt, afraid or full of regret. Here are some posts I wrote that are along the same subject. “Sin Conscious”, “Holster Those Rascals” and “No Ragrets”.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (NASB)
Getting your mind transformed takes work on your part. We get to choose what we think about or hold onto. I’m speaking to the choir here! I love how Paul helps us out by showing us how to refocus our thoughts. Paul was right along with us guys. He had to work at it, too. Here’s what he says:
Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. (NASB)
Remember that our loving Father is always there to help.
Isaiah 1:18a “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD. (NASB)
Psalm 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me. Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. (NASB)
Let the mind of Christ determine your day.