Thieves of Your Thoughts

"You'd never invite a thief into your house. So why would you allow thoughts that steal your joy to make themselves at home in your mind?” -Unknown

I was once reading a book, The 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry, that had the above quote in it. This book is centered around Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." It calls attention to our negative thoughts, whether they are degrading towards ourselves or to other people. God already calls us to thing about noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things, but sometimes we need a fresh, gentle reminder

The thief quote has been on my mind for the last week or so. After thinking about the times this quote has entered my mind, every time it has been because I am complaining in my head how much I hate Kansas, how much I want to be home, how hot is, how annoying something is, and so on. The Holy Spirit is using a quote I read a couple years ago to call me out on unhealthy thoughts. (That's pretty neat!)

If we dwell on negative things, or have a bad attitude towards something--can't look at something with fresh eyes in a more positive way, it will start showing in the way we respond to people, our mannerisms, how we present ourselves--it's noticeable, very noticeable. For example, when I leave home and come back to Kansas the first week or so I am pretty mopey, sad, quiet, and basically not myself because all I can focus on is what I left behind--friends, family, mountains, beautiful weather-- and came to hot, humid, and flat. I forget to focus on the good and the blessings I have here--great friends, new scenery, beautiful sunsets and sunrises. It's all a matter on how you look at life. You know the saying, "Are you a glass half empty or half full person?" Quite honestly it's a valid question. How we view the different changes in our life, how we handle the less than perfect situations--that is what's going to build (or tear down) our character. It's through changes and difficulties that we are able to grow and blossom into the people God created us to be.

Believe it or not (you should probably believe this) the things that enter your mind, whether visually like through movies or real life, or through sounds, such as music or talking, tend to be the things that make themselves at home in our brains and coincidentally our hearts...which means they will be what we dwell on, what comes out of our mouths, and what starts showing in our lives. Think about it: if you listen to music with a lot of cussing in it, you'll start thinking cusswords, even if you don't say them; if you are watching inappropriate movies it'll be what you start thinking about. It's like eating McDonald's everyday for lunch and dinner. It appeals to you, draws you in, and you think it is harmless. But when you are constantly eating all the greasy 'food', the effects will start showing in your body, and even in your attitude.

The way I look at it is it's going to happen one way or another. Am I going to find the joy in it and bless myself, others, and God? Or am I going to have a pity party for myself and be mopey, selfish, and no fun?

Until next time,
  over and out.