Does it seem like your thoughts are out of control? The mind is the combat zone. The Bible tells us to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Use these four steps toward controlling your thinking.
1. THINK
Think about what you’re thinking about. Ask yourself, where did that thought come from? If you can discipline yourself to think about what you’re thinking about, you’ll be in a better position to discern the origin of the thought.
2. ANALYZE
Analyze the thought or suggestion. Is the thought consistent with scripture? (Philippians 4:8)
3. ACCEPT/REJECT
Accept/reject the thought or suggestion. Accept the thoughts when they’re inspired by God. Reject the negative thoughts by not saying them or acting on them.
4. REPLACE
Replace the negative thought with the spoken Word (speaking God’s Word out of your mouth).
Meditate on Philippians 4:8 (NLT):And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
HOW DO I ANALYZE MY THOUGHTS?
- Does the thought acted on take life and faith from you or does it build faith and increase you?
- Does the thought acted on bring glory to God?
- Does the thought attack your self-worth or your value?
- Does the thought isolate you and disconnect you from support?
- Does the thought suggest you should not trust anyone?
- Does the thought contradict the finished work of Christ? (i.e. “God is not willing to heal you.”)
- Does the thought destroy your ability to believe God loves you? Or that others love you?
- Does the thought hinder your ability or motivation to operate in God’s love towards others?
- Does the thought paint a picture of hopelessness and defeat?
- Does the thought suggest that you should quit or commit suicide?
- Does the thought keep you stuck in the past?
- Does the thought take you from under all human authority or accountability?