Stop Negative Thoughts!

September 26, 2003

           “Think before you speak,” my fellow teacher had said as she gave directions for our Spelling Bee.  It was gratifying to see the children thinking carefully. Her statement brought another concept to my mind.

It is a sobering thought to know that wrong thoughts and words can inflict terrible pain in someone’s life.  Behind every criminal action is a bad thought.  Behind every hurt inflicted on others, an unkind thought preceded the angry words. 

            Negative and worrisome thoughts steal joy out of life, causing all sorts of mental and physical problems.  Do you make a definitive decision to stop negative thoughts and words or do you allow them to run you over until you are totally depressed and unaware of the progression?

            Have you ever felt disliked by someone?  Thoughts like, They don’t like me, what did they mean by that remark, or, they have their own little clique and I am not included, can bring havoc to your rest and peace.  No one can be happy in that state of mind.

            One of my favorite preachers said this one-day and I have never forgotten it:  “Other people’s heads are not the place for your happiness.”  I go back to his profound statement when negative thoughts try to overtake me.  You can remember this too.  If not, soon you begin to lose your smile and zest for living.

            Negative thoughts and words are not our master.  If we can think ourselves sad, then we can think ourselves happy.  Start by stopping the negative process.  Saturate your mind with Philippians 4:8.  It tells of thinking about things that are honest, just, pure, lovely and good report.

            Be stubborn in your resistance of negative thoughts and words.

            Refuse to accept or entertain any self -criticizing thoughts, making you your own worst critic.  Don’t put yourself down.  You are made in God’s image.

            Count your many blessings.  Blessings far outweigh the problems in life if we only look for them.

Instead of feeling rejected, pray for the one you feel rejection from.  Thank the Lord for that person and pray that all of his or her needs would be met.  Forgive any animosity that may be held.

Be optimistic.  Nothing is impossible with God.  He can change the circumstance. Look upon difficulties as challenges for an opportunity for God to show Himself strong.

In an illness, optimists realize healing is promoted by positive thoughts, words and attitudes.

Thinking before speaking gives grace and encouragement to the listener.  Thinking before speaking eliminates something said that is regretted later.  Angry words are not soon forgotten and they bruise the soul.  Thinking before speaking avoids conflict.  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:  and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”  (Proverbs 18:21).

Take the advantage and be like the eagle.  He soars above the storm.  You can too!

When everything seems to have gone wrong, you still have the choice of right thoughts and right words.

With the Greater One living in you, (1 John 4:4) you can fight the battle for the mind and win.

Be happy today.  You have a choice!