“…but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” – Romans 12:2 (NLT)
In this age of technology, our minds are constantly bombarded with news and information that are easily accessible on our devices. This, in turn, affect how and what we think of ourselves, others and events.
I recently came across an article on the internet saying that experts estimate about 50,000 thoughts go through our mind each day. Some of these thoughts may be insignificant, random ideas or to-do lists, while others may be carnal, lustful or insidious in nature.
There is a battle that is constantly waging in our minds. What preoccupies our minds, are our thoughts pleasing to God? How can we change the way we think? We can do so by:
Reading God’s Word. When our minds are saturated with God’s Word, it serves as a mental screen to sieve out unwholesome thoughts. We can dispel negative and carnal thoughts by choosing to listen to and obey His Word. By keeping the richness of God’s words in our minds, we safeguard our thought-life.
In Psalm 19:7-11 (NIV), David reminds us of the importance of reading and meditating on God’s Word, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
Refocusing our minds. Our minds are prone to negative thoughts. We tend to think the worst of people and situations and these negative thoughts are reflected in our actions and behaviour. We can counter this by choosing to reject the toxic thoughts and redirect our thoughts to godly virtues and praiseworthy things.
In Philippians 4:8 (NLT), Paul provides guidance on what our minds need to refocus on, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Rejoicing in God’s love. Make it a lifestyle to give thanks to the Lord for His blessings and how much He loves us. When we grasp how deep, wide, high and long is His love for us, we will be compelled to reject what is not of Him and pursue what is in His heart (Romans 8:37-40). He will replace our troubled thoughts with His thoughts of peace and joy (Philippians 4:4-7).
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, let us not allow fearful and anxious thoughts to flood our minds. Instead, may God’s Word and His character anchor us in the way we think and act.
“May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” – Psalm 104:34 (NLT)
Lam Kok Hiang has over 30 years of experience in full-time Christian vocational ministry. He holds a MA (Biblical Studies) from Dallas Theological Seminary and has led Cru Singapore as National Team Leader since 2006. An avid runner, Kok Hiang shares a love for books with his wife, Sharon. Together, their desire is to see young leaders rise up in local churches and missions agencies across Asia.
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