I went for a run/walk the other day. It was a hot and humid late afternoon, but there was a good breeze that would come by and cool me off just when I started whining about the heat.
As I rounded the last corner and headed home, I noticed that I had an amazing view. To my right, the approaching sunset. To my left, the near full moon was rising, in anticipation for it's debut in the night sky.
I realized I had choices on how to think about it.
On the one hand, it was the end of the day. Here are the two trains of thought that went through my mind as a walked down the road. As I looked at the sunset, here were my thoughts:
*Positive - I made it through another day! Negative: I'm so glad this day is over.
What a sunset - thank you Lord! Ugh. I have to work tomorrow.
I got out and exercised! Woot! I can't believe I only ran 2 miles!
I did a total of 5 miles! High Five! I don't want to go home. Too stressful.
Then I looked over to the other side, where the moon was rising. My divergent train of thought went like this:
*Positive - Look at that moon! It's going to be a beautiful night! Negative: I hope I sleep tonight. Another fitful night ahead.
I can't wait to do my Bible reading and relax before bed. I really don't want to go to work tomorrow.
I still have time to journal!! I haven't journaled in days. I suck.
All of these thoughts went through my brain at some point. The facts were these: there was a sun setting, and a moon rising. The rest? Well the rest was all in the battle field of my mind.
The Bible has a lot to say about our mind. That IS where the battle truly occurs. Sure, there are a lot of things going on in your life right now - that's a FACT - but what you choose to think about is where the victory lies.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJ) says this : "...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..."
Philippians exorts us in chapter 4 verse 8 that "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Stinkin' thinkin' is MUCH easier than purposefully thinking on what Philippians instructs us to.
It's never more important to work on what you are thinking about than WHEN you are going through trials. Our human nature is to get sour and bitter. And frankly, when you are dealt a bad hand, there is that righteous anger. You're going to be mad, frustrated, upset, grieving, incredulous - and on and on.
Don't camp there.
The way you get out of it is with your thoughts!!
When you are stuck in a negative thinking rut, ask God to help you out. Don't keep rocking in that stinkin' thinkin'.
Pray for His help. Get out your Bible and find a verse or two (or more!!) that you can stand on.
CHOOSE to see the good. Yeah, it was a crappy thing that happened that day this week. But I CHOSE to thank God for the beauty of the sunset, the grandeur of the moon rise. I CHOSE to breathe in the intoxicating nectar of confederate jasmine, and I beheld the beautiful lilies bursting forth in orange and yellow blooms all along my path. I CHOSE to thank God for the five miles I walked/ran - and thanked Him for the ability to do it.
There are two paths. Which one you go down in your mind will determine your countenence, your attitude, your peace.
Which way will YOU choose?
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