How are your present circumstances affecting what thoughts are in your mind?
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-3, ESV)
How do you fight against falsehood and destructive thinking?
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:1-4, ESV)
How is transforming one’s mind a discipline rather than automatic?
Consider what ideas is your mind consumed with, what thoughts fill your imagination hour after hour? What you give yourself to contemplating and meditating upon and mulling over, will shape the kind of person you are becoming.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)
What does this passage instruct us to do with our thoughts?
How is anxiety fueled or diminished by what you set your mind upon?
If your have debilitating anxiety, what person can you contact for help? Try here.
What ideas cause you anxiety? What does the Bible say about these things?
What can you do to find thoughts that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise?
How does obeying God’s Word affect our thoughts?
When we have the word of God transforming our minds, we have the joy and peace of God in our lives.
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3, ESV)
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