The Power of Our Thoughts

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – March 5, 2024

“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.” —Philippians 4:8, NIV

Have you ever been deep into thought and then thought about what you were thinking about, and had to pray for forgiveness? The greatest battle we face is from within. Every day, we fight the internal battle of carnal desires versus faithful obedience to God. Unless we pray for God’s Divine help throughout our waking hours, we will think unrighteous thoughts and pursue unrighteous desires.

Not all of our contrary thoughts are for carnal desires. Doubt, disbelief, and discouragement also reflect negative [unrighteous] thinking. Many of us know individuals who always speak negative words causing us to take measures to intentionally avoid them. But what if we are the negative person? How we think determines the direction of our lives. A mindset of negativity catapults us into a world of darkness filled with trepidation and the inability to progress in life.

“But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come…” —2 Timothy 3:1

Today’s believers share a unique status from the believers of the past, we are living in the last days and biblical prophecy is being fulfilled. Jesus describes our era as living in the time of the “beginning of sorrows” [Matthew 24:4-8]. Through prayer, we receive the spiritual discernment to recognize and avoid manipulative worldviews and habits that compromise our right standing with God.

Whether or not we embrace the concept that our environment overflowing with negativity impacts our lives, it is almost true. When our relationship with Christ is built on steadfast faith, surrender, obedience, a consistent prayer life, and studying the Bible, the Holy Spirit gives us Divine wisdom, strength, and protection from the negative influences of this world. Without spiritual wisdom, we are as vulnerable as unbelievers.

“Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” —Isaiah 43:19, BSB

Many times our character traits include the learned behaviors of negativity and pessimism from enduring unhealthy backgrounds. God’s intervention also extends to the children and adults whom He will heal and give them the strength to rise above their past dire circumstances. Our Heavenly Father knows our beginning, past, and future suffering. Still, He is our hope for healing and giving us a positive and blessed future.

Even when facing life-changing events or past trauma, God promises, I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it? God is a God of completion and victory.

“For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD…” —Jeremiah 30:17

Although we are never promised physical healing, God always heals mental illness and emotional trauma because these conditions prevent us from believing in and trusting Christ. We cannot embrace and practice negative, pessimistic thinking and have a relationship with Christ. Pray for healing! The flicker of faith allows us to receive complete healing, look beyond our past, and enjoy a brighter future.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

There is something that we must love about Jesus, throughout the Scriptures, He has given us prior warnings of the trials we will face and the perilous times we will live in. Yet, our Loving Savior also gives us hope, “…be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The key to thinking beyond the world’s conditions and life’s challenges is to have a thriving relationship with Christ and to believe that we are His total responsibility.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” —John 14:27

Our thoughts are positive and uplifting because Christ our Creator promises us peace and joy during our hardships. Persevering Prayer Produces Peace! To possess internal peace and joy doesn’t mean we will never cry or experience sadness. But emotions are difficult to control. Prayer puts our emotions into a checkpoint. We maintain unwavering confidence and speak words of faith and courage because we believe in God’s Sovereign Power and Promises. If He said it then He will do it!

“Strength of character consists of two things—power of will and power of self-control.” (The Faith I Live By)

Are we going to allow our past or present circumstances to dictate our thoughts and miss out on our healing and blessings? Emphatically, No! Redirecting our focus on God is within our human power. Stand down all negative thinking with prayer, God, I believe that You already have the solution, and I will wait in faithful obedience because You have promised to give me a Victorious Outcome. Amen. Pray often. Prayer is spoken on earth but heard and answered in heaven!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” —James 1:17

Yes, life on earth is ever-changing, but we have a Triune God who proclaims, “I change not!” Despite the wars, political, and social uprisings, and the negativity of hatred, remind yourself that God created us in His image and gifted this beautiful earth to us. God will never allow human beings or demonic wickedness to cause mass destruction of His created world.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Nature testifies to Jesus’ love for humanity and every insect, bird, fish, and living animal He created. Let go of a dominant screen life. Go outside. Look at the starry nighttime sky, explore nature, and become a virtual traveler, you will perceive life differently. God desires that we live peaceful lives that are full of joy and laughter.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” —Proverbs 17:22

As believers we have everlasting hope, Christ victoriously overcame the harsh vicissitudes of life. This fragmented earth is not our final destination. Yes, we accept the reality of the worsening conditions of this world, yet deep within our hearts, we have pure love, joy, and peace. Like David, we should sing with vigor and speak praises of gratitude to our First Love and Best Friend who reminds us, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” —1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

From studying Revelation chapters 21-22, we replace all negative thoughts with a mind filled with happiness, joy, laughter, and contentment. We have the hope within our hearts that our Triumphant King is coming for us! Let words of praise and rejoicing flow from ever-grateful hearts. One day, we will shout, See what the Lord has done! Hallelujah! Amen!

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” —John 14:1-3

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love and our gift of the power to choose life by thinking positive thoughts of faith and victory. Lord, we love You, worship You, and praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Triumphant Name, we pray. Amen

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries