I have to admit my life is governed by thoughts. False thoughts maim, cripple and hold me back. True thoughts free me to be myself, as God made me.
Most of us struggle inwardly with thoughts like these: “I can’t…” “I’m not good enough.” “I’m not smart enough.” “If only I were taller (shorter, better looking, had more hair, had less hair).” “If only I hadn’t grown up in this neighborhood.” “If only my ex hadn’t…” “If only I hadn’t…” These kind of thoughts produce a defeated attitude noticeable to others.
Someone suggested (humorously) that insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. If we apply this principle to our thought life, it’s foolish to think the same thoughts over and over, expecting a different result. Thinking the same thoughts day after day will never improve our attitude on life.
Transformation Is Possible!
The Apostle Paul said in the Bible, “And do not be conformed to (squeezed into the mold of) this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) To be true to ourselves, we must run the risk of not always fitting in with what the “world” thinks.
“Transformed” is translated from the original Greek word from which we get the term, “metamorphosis.” Metamorphosis is the process by which a caterpillar is changed into a lovely butterfly. Through metamorphosis, a creeping, crawling, leaf-eating worm becomes a free-flying, nectar-sipping butterfly.
How can such a radical life metamorphosis happen? Paul said by the “renewing of our minds.” Only when our minds take in positive, true thoughts from God’s Word can the process of metamorphosis be set in motion, where we begin to grow spiritually. Until we think better thoughts about ourselves and our situation, we remain mired in the same old bog, unable to move forward.
Immersion in Truth
But suppose we immerse our minds in thoughts we have never considered before, thoughts that have the power to cut through the muck of self-doubt, lift us out of discouragement, set us free from defeat, and fill us with the positive energy of the Holy Spirit. By renewing our minds through God’s Word, the Bible, we will soon be doing things we never thought we could.
Suppose we begin to believe that God’s thoughts toward us are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11)… That He loves us and doesn’t despise us (John 3:16)… That all things are possible to him who believes (Mark 17:23)… That if God is for us, then who can be against us (Romans 8:31)… That all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28)… That nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39)… The truth is, God is on our side and wants to help us.
The key to positive change is an inflow of new, true and loving thoughts to replace the lies we have believed about ourselves. The most powerful and uplifting thoughts on the planet are the thoughts that God, our heavenly Father, thinks about us. They are recorded in Scripture. Jesus said that if we live in accordance with His teachings, we truly become His disciples. We will know the truth, and the truth would set us free. (John 8:31-32)
God Thinks Good Thoughts Toward Us
People are usually shocked to discover that God’s thoughts toward them are not thoughts of condemnation and judgment, but thoughts of love and encouragement.
As our Creator, God formed us with a purpose and designed us to function in a way distinctly our own. Is He happy if we are held back from becoming all He designed us to be? Absolutely not. Does He want to see us crushed by life and circumstances? No way!
That’s why He wishes to implant in us His thoughts of truth, love, and encouragement, so we can fulfill our divine destiny as a Christian and become a high energy, positive person, overflowing in the grace, obedience, and love of God imparted to us by the Holy Spirit. Believe me, His thoughts about us are far higher and better than our thoughts about ourselves. He sees us being a blessing to all around us.
Life-transforming truths are found in God’s book, the Bible. Just as sunshine, water, and fertilizer cause plants to grow, His thoughts nourish our spirit and cause our inner man to mature. As we meditate on His word, the Bible, we are transformed in the process. God’s love and constant encouragement changes us for the better. King David once said to God, “Your gentleness has made me great.” (Psalm 18:35)
For an arsenal of positive thoughts from the Bible to plant into your mind, click on “Who I Am in Christ.”
If you would like help in being reconciled to God, click here.