Good Thoughts
I remember, as a young girl, my Momma telling me that Dr. Hagan had said that our thoughts are like birds and our minds like a tree. He said that thoughts of all kinds would flitter in and out of our minds all the time, but it was important for us to not allow bad thoughts to build nests. I love that! There is no need to feel guilty when “un-Godly” thoughts come to our minds. We have to know a few things about thoughts though… Ezekiel 38:10(NIV) says, “On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme.” So it looks like the fact that they come is certain. I would submit to you that evil schemes take some time to devise, and that you have to dwell on those thoughts quite a while before you will be able to think up some evil schemes.
So what are we to do? How can we stop these thoughts? I think God’s Word offers some terrific tools and tips for keeping us on the right path where our thoughts are concerned. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) says, “Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” It looks to me like there is some warfare involved with this thought thing. I feel like it takes some practice – and some purposeful thinking. Afterall, “casting down” and “taking captive” are pretty active words. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” And then Hebrews 3:1 (NIV) says, “…fix your thoughts on Jesus…” It sounds so simple, but it really isn’t.
OK, so how can we keep the good thoughts coming, and how can we fix our thoughts on Jesus when we are bombarded from every direction by thoughts?! Social media, TV, Internet, smart phones – all the noises and distractions that make up our daily lives – how can we escape these?!
Well, Momma also said to remember, “Garbage in, garbage out.” We have to protect our hearts and minds from these influences – and protect your kids for goodness’ sake! There are all kinds of Christian TV, radio, podcasts, etc. out there. And good folks to associate with. And good books and publications to read. Then there is silence too… but be wary of silence if you haven’t poured in some quality stuff – because in the silence you will hear just what you have been listening to. Don’t beat yourself up though. Isaiah 55:19 (NIV) says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Let’s make a conscious effort to keep those pesky little “birds” from building nests in our minds today.
Father God, I thank You for calming our minds. Thank you for quieting all the noises and distractions that keep our thoughts away from You. Help us to seek and find things to listen to that keep our eyes and hearts fixed on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.