THOUGHTS
07th Jun 2023
Someone has said, “The thoughts that fill our hearts and dominate our minds, indicate who we are or who we will soon become.” So it is vital that we are very careful what we allow to come into our minds, because they will dictate the course of our lives. Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man (or woman) thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able and test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will of God.”
We are bombarded with words, images and impressions each moment of every day. The ‘world’ is seeking to influence us with fear and false ideas. There are many who have stopped listening to the daily news bulletins because they are so miserable, and full of negative future possibilities.
When Paul writes to the Corinthian church he tells them that they as believers have power over their thought life. He writes, “The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
At the root of all emotional illness are minds that are dominated by fear. They paint negative scenarios which take away peace, restrict joy filled daily life, and rob of a positive future. So when Paul tells the Romans that they need “renewing of the mind” he is acknowledging that we all encounter negative influences daily.
Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
We need to actively take control of our thoughts. We need to confess fear and allow the peace of God to release us. We need to protect ourselves from negative speech and from the junk that fills our media daily. We have the power to demolish arguments and to take captive our thoughts.
So how are your thoughts? Are they filled with peace, blessing and thanksgiving? Or are they filled with fear, dread and foreboding? By the power of the Holy Spirit, you can renew your mind and live in victory over your thought life.
Are you doing it?
by Charles Sibthorpe
