Posted on May 24, 2012 - by Shari Barr
It’s All In The Mind
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
Last week I watched an episode of Joyce Meyer and her topic “Power Thoughts” is still stuck in my mind, which is definitely a good thing.
In this show Joyce talked about the importance of keeping our thoughts pure, emphasizing that this is something we have to consciously do at all times. It won’t just happen. We can choose the thoughts that run through our minds, good or bad. The types of thoughts we allow in our minds leads to the words and actions that follow and ultimately the type of life we’ll lead in the future.
This is where the problem starts for me. Though I knew I had the power to control my thoughts to a certain degree, I also believed they were just sort of “there”—a result of the way people and life in general were treating me at any given time. If I was having a good day, my thoughts were pleasing, but if I was having a bad day, whoo boy, Satan had a heyday in my head.
For some reason, I always forget that my thoughts lead to my outlook on life, not the other way around. Maybe it’s my selfish nature—justifying that my “just plain naughty” thoughts are a result of other’s actions. My attitude at times is more like, “Well, if life dealt me a better hand of cards, I wouldn’t be this way.” There’s no quicker way to depress myself than mulling over and over in my head the irritating things that people do to me.
When these are the thoughts running through my mind, I need a reality check—now. Rehashing bad things over and over leads to anger and speaking words I’ll later regret. When this happens Satan can get right back in there and fill my mind with more garbage because he knows I’ll fall for it. At this point he has won.
Our thoughts, especially bad ones, have the power to deceive us, giving Satan full reign inside our heads. I can say for a fact that he has enough control over me, so I don’t want him inside my head too.
It won’t be easy, but it’s time I intentionally choose the thoughts I allow myself to think (and not just on good days.) It’s time I make a better effort to retrain my brain, so the devil will take his nasty thoughts and scram. My mind is an indicator of the person I can become. Thinking bad thoughts leads to an unfulfilled life, but thinking godly thoughts leads to a life filled with beauty and purpose.
Only then can I fully encompass the amazing blessings He has intended for me.
8 Comments
We'd love to hear yours!
White Pearls by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Shell doesn't have a good reputation...But no matter what everyone in Rose Bud, Arkansas, thinks of her, she's back in town with a job to do. She'll stick it out and make the best of things. But why does Ryler have to be the landscaper on this project? She was just getting her heart under control. Ryler has his own reasons for being in Rose Bud, and they don't include Shell. Spying on his birth family was going to be hard enough. He doesn't have time to worry about a woman who dumped him...even if his heart says otherwise. McKenzie’s Branson Brainteaser by Shari Barr
McKenzie and Sydney meet in Branson, Missouri, where McKenzie has been recruited to help at the Dixie Stampede. While the girls take in the sights and sounds of Silver Dollar City, they become involved in a search to find a teen girl’s long lost uncle–who is rumored to have settled near the Branson area. With no clue other than a whittled necklace with an “SS” on the back, how will they ever reunite Shara with her uncle? The Camp Club girls are on the case, and they’re not about to give up until they close the gap and reconnect Shara’s family.
The Prodigal Daughter by Linda Fulkerson
Ruled by despair, remorse, and anger, the author’s life had become a classic rendition of the cliché “What’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?” Desperate. Overwhelmed. Isolated. Trapped. She hit bottom.
On the elevator of life, those descending will all exit on different levels–some much lower than others. You don’t have to go all the way to the bottom. Stop now and push the “up” button. This book will show you how!
Visit My Website
May 24, 2012
Permalink
Kav said:
There’s power in these words, Shari. Interesting twist you’ve spun on it too. So many times we do think of ourselves as being a product of our environment as opposed to our environment being the product of our mind. It’s like which came first — the chicken or the egg? Well, actually God came first and in my devotional read this morning He reminded me to let Him fill my thoughts the second I wake up and promised I would find it easier to keep Him there through out the rest of the day if I did. I think we’re in sync this morning.
Visit My Website
May 24, 2012
Permalink
Dawn Ford said:
I’ve read Joyce’s Battlefield of the Mind. She makes some great points in it. You’re right, when we have stinkin’ thinkin’, our attitude stinks too. I have to remind myself to do what Phillipians 4:8 says: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent and praiseworthy, think on these things.
Visit My Website
May 24, 2012
Permalink
Regina Merrick said:
So, so true, Shari! God has given us such power, we can’t even comprehend. Power over our thoughts, our decisions, our actions. Simply because He loves us! Our God IS Greater!!
Visit My Website
May 24, 2012
Permalink
Brenda Anderson said:
So true, Shari. You remind me of Peretti’s This Present Darkness where demons whisper self-defeating thoughts to people. It’s easy to take those words & thoughts & ruminate on them–then the devil wins. I’m so guilty of that. But when I’m cognizant of my thoughts, I intentionally concentrate on scripture, just like the quote from Philippians Dawn mentioned.
Visit My Website
May 24, 2012
Permalink
Shari Barr said:
Like Kav said, if only I let Him fill my thoughts the second I wake up. Now that would be a good day.
Visit My Website
May 24, 2012
Permalink
Jackie S. said:
Very good, Shari!!! And I think Kav “nailed it” when saying “the second we wake up.”
Thanks for sharing this.
Visit My Website
May 24, 2012
Permalink
Shari Barr said:
Thanks, Jackie. I know I need to use Kav’s words as my daily wake-up call. My day would definitely get off to a better start.
Visit My Website
June 6, 2012
Permalink
Lynn said:
Life has been crazy for me and am just getting around to catching up on these posts. What a powerful devotional, Shari. I, too, am guilty on all counts. I find it is easier to control my thoughts when I read my devotional before getting out of bed in the morning…something I haven’t done in a long time. This is a great reminder to begin anew. Thank you and Thank you, too, Kav.
Lynn
PS..