IT BEGAN WITH A THOUGHT.
IT ALL BEGAN WITH A THOUGHT!
Have you ever found yourself worrying about something that has not happened yet?
Or are you facing a difficult decision, an unexpected change, or a situation you would rather not have to deal with? But before you know it, your mind has gone ahead of you!
Suddenly you begin to imagine all the things that could go wrong. You anticipate problems that haven’t arisen. You even begin to rehearse conversations that haven’t taken place. And the more you think about it, the more anxious you become.
Meanwhile, nothing has actually happened!
It is amazing how much influence our thoughts can have over our emotions, our attitudes, and even our actions.
See what the Bible tells us:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 (KJV)
I find that word TRANSFORMED particularly interesting.
The Scripture doesn’t simply tell us to change our behaviour. It tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
In other words, genuine transformation begins on the inside; with the way we think!
Interestingly, one of the principles underlying Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviour. By learning to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, people can begin to respond differently to their circumstances.
Isn’t it remarkable that, centuries before modern psychology developed CBT, the Word of God was already teaching us about the transforming power of a renewed mind?
Of course, renewing our minds according to Scripture goes beyond changing our thought patterns. It involves allowing the truth of God’s Word to shape our thinking and our lives.
For example: Two people could face similar circumstances and yet respond in completely different ways.
One sees only obstacles. The other begins to recognise possibilities.
One could become overwhelmed by everything that could go wrong. The other could choose to trust God for wisdom and direction.
The circumstances may be similar, but their responses are different.
What we believe and what we allow to occupy our minds will inevitably influence how we respond to what happens around us.
And sometimes, the circumstances don’t even have to change for our outlook to change!
A situation that had previously filled us with dread could suddenly become something we approach with expectation.
The responsibilities haven’t disappeared. The challenges haven’t necessarily been resolved. There may still be a great deal of work ahead. But we are no longer looking at the situation in quite the same way.
And that change in perspective can make an extraordinary difference.
Renewing our minds, as the Bible teaches, is not merely an exercise in positive thinking.
It is not pretending that difficulties don’t exist.
It is not convincing ourselves that everything will happen exactly as we want.
Rather, it is allowing the truth of God’s Word to reshape the way we think.
When fear tells us that we are alone, we remember God’s promise:
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5, KJV)
When anxiety threatens to overwhelm us, we remember:
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, KJV)
When we feel inadequate for the challenges before us, we remind ourselves:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13, KJV)
We replace thoughts that keep us fearful and discouraged with the truth of what God has said. That is definitely encouraging.
And as we continue to meditate on His Word, our thinking begins to change.
Our attitudes begin to change.
Our responses also begin to change.
And ultimately we begin to see differently.
We should prioritise certain kinds of thoughts as instructed by the Word of God in Philippians 4:8:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (KJV)
THINK ON THESE THINGS!
Not on every frightening possibility that presents itself.
Not on every discouraging thought that comes knocking.
Not on every imagined disaster that tries to take up residence in our minds.
It is our responsibility to pay attention to what we are thinking about!
The Word of God is the Truth. And Jesus said this to us in John 8:32:
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32, KJV)
THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE!
Sometimes, the freedom we so desperately desire begins when we stop allowing fear, anger, disappointment or anxiety to manipulate or control our thoughts.
We can then move ahead NOT because everything around us has suddenly become perfect, but because we are learning to see our circumstances through the truth of God’s Word.
And that brings me to this thought:
What we know (The Truth) changes how we respond to what we see!
When we know what God has said, when we believe His Word, and when we allow that Word to renew our minds, we need not remain prisoners of the thoughts that once overwhelmed us.
So, dear friend, what have you been thinking about lately?
What thoughts have been occupying your mind?
Are they strengthening your faith or feeding your fears?
Are they helping you move forward or keeping you trapped in yesterday’s disappointments and tomorrow’s uncertainties?
Perhaps it’s time to examine those thoughts in the light of God’s Word.
Remember, the circumstances may not change immediately.
BUT YOU CAN BE TRANSFORMED!
And sometimes, that transformation changes the way you approach everything else.
It all begins with the renewing of your mind.
IT ALL BEGINS WITH A THOUGHT!
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©