Wisdom, Patience, and Boundaries
When Negative Thoughts Run Your Life
I knew they were there, but I tried to ignore them and deny their existence.
They controlled how I felt in the morning and when I went to sleep. They often caused my emotions to feel out of control, making me feel out of control too.
They dictated how I reacted to situations or conversations. They often made me feel offended, angry, or hurt, whether or not it was truly justified. They never ceased to remind me of my shortcomings and flaws, making me feel inferior and without value, and they constantly tried to pull me down with discouragement or hopelessness, stealing my peace and joy.
What are “they,” you ask?
My thoughts.
Life had been tough for many months due to a painful situation in my marriage, and as a result, negative thoughts were running my life.
I didn’t want to feel sad or unhappy, but my thoughts stayed consumed with all the things that made me sad and unhappy. I didn’t want to feel discouraged or fearful, but my heart was heavy.
My negative thoughts were weighing down not only my emotions but my outlook on life. I felt as if I were sinking mentally, emotionally, and at times spiritually.
Todays key verse gives us wise advice on dealing with our thoughts: “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).
This passage was written by King Solomon for the benefit of his own sons. As I read Proverbs 4, I notice that although Solomon was the king of Israel, he didn’t just advise his sons about royal matters like how to handle money, job responsibilities, or leading the kingdom. Instead he spoke here of the value of controlling their thoughts, which would determine how his sons felt and lived.
The quality of our thoughts will always determine the quality of our lives.
Whatever our minds focus on will shape what plays out in our lives and who we become. Our thoughts and feelings have more power than we may realize, gradually steering us - and possibly our faith - in a direction we may not want to go. King Solomon knew it’s often our thoughts, not just our circumstances, that cause us to sink, and his scriptures counsel us to be careful about what we think and feel.
When I realized my thoughts were running my life, I admitted to Jesus how I had allowed emotionally fueled thoughts to sink my joy, hope, and faith. I asked Him to remind me of His Truth that says I can be positive even if my circumstances aren’t.
As He helped me intentionally change my thoughts, my life changed as well. And so can yours.
Jesus Wants You To Know...
When The Flesh Wins
