Can We Really Control and Change Our Thoughts?

Can We Really Change and Control Our Thoughts? Devotional Reading June 14, 2023

Have you ever looked at your situation and come to a premature conclusion about possible outcomes? Many individuals struggle with this internal battle, yet, it is not humanly possible for us to predict the future. Attempting to guess the outcomes of a situation results in mental and emotional distress which affects our relationship with God.

Fearful and pessimistic thoughts easily cancel our belief and faith in God. The dilemma that we place ourselves in from negative thoughts rapidly develops into a mindset of hopelessness. Thinking the worse is usually a consequence of learned behaviors and habits from others. We know people who always think of the worse possible scenario.

Our cognition and perception of life change when our thoughts focus on negativity. We begin to lose sight of the goodness in life and we begin to seek only negative sensory input.

Sensory input has the greatest impact on our minds. Through the programs we watch and the news we listen to, we have been persuaded to view life from an “it is what it is” perspective. If we choose to always embrace the “what went wrong” outcomes then we are automatically drawn to the programs and people which reinforce these counterproductive thoughts and behaviors.

Despite the prevalence of criminal behavior and corruption in our societies, there are still individuals who choose to think positive thoughts by upholding godly morals and values. They steadfastly refuse to cross the line into the unrighteousness of counterproductive thinking. How is it possible to keep one’s thoughts from becoming pessimistic?

Before considering the mindset of our family and friends, it is imperative to start by examining oneself. We possess the ability to choose happiness and peace, both of which are gifts from God, who holds Sovereign power over His world. God’s Divine Character is love.

As devout Christians, we must emulate Christ’s love that He demonstrated toward others. Negative thoughts lead to unfavorable conversations, which indicate a lack of confidence in God’s abilities and promises.

“The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is his!” —Psalm 24:1, NIV

Even in harsh trials and living in these last days [as described in 2 Timothy chapter 3], we are required to have loving hearts and the characteristics of joy, peace, and hope. How can we change our perspectives and thoughts when we are constantly bombarded by the worldviews of cynicism and pessimism? What if our emotions are already ruling our lives?

The inability to control one’s thoughts and perceptions based on the situation has presented a challenge since the creation of humanity. Historically, even the strongest of believers have let presenting circumstances produce wayward thoughts. Elijah the prophet is a perfect example of not thinking rationally and letting his emotions of fear overpower his sound mind.

Although God proved His mighty power at the Mount Carmel showdown [1 Kings chapter 18] Elijah ran to the wilderness when Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. God is aware that when we face life’s challenges our emotions will immediately escalate. Our thoughts easily become out of control because we fixate on the situation instead of our All-Powerful God.

“So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.’ ” —1 Kings 19:13-14

As we think deeply about God’s compassionate reply to Elijah, we discover that our Heavenly Father has a deep love and concern for not only our spiritual needs, but also our mental, emotional, and physical well-being as humans.

Stopping Wayward, Negative Thoughts

1. Immediately acknowledge the thought. Why am I thinking this way?
2. Pray. Ask God to forgive your negative thoughts. Invite the Holy Spirit into your life.
3. Our character on earth must be transformed into a character that has the Fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23].
4. Study the Bible. Replace your thoughts with God’s promises.
5. Make the conscious effort to think, “God is in control of the outcome.”

Scripture Reading: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:4-7

Prayer: God, we pray for the deliverance and victory over negative thoughts, doubt, anxiety, and worry. We acknowledge Your love for us and Your Sovereign power. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps2successwithsolutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries