Think about such things

When you lay in bed at night, what do you think about? When you are walking along the beach, or in a beautiful garden, what is it that you are thinking about? When sitting alone in your car at the traffic lights, what conversations do you have with yourself?

Many people, when left to their own thoughts, find it very easy to slip into thinking negative thoughts – often about themselves. Do you find yourself replaying conversations in your mind? “If only I had said that!”, or “I wish I hadn’t done that!”

Our thoughts are extremely powerful. What we watch, what we read, what we listen to – all of it affects our thoughts, whether we realise it or not. Paul in his letter to the Church in Philippi wrote these words, “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)

Think about the positive. Think about good things – God things! This isn’t something that comes naturally to all of us, so you may need to practice. Why not think of three positive things about your day before you go to sleep at night? Or while you’re waiting at the traffic lights, how about you thank God for all the good things that he has blessed you with this week?

Let’s cultivate the habit: if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things!

By Liz Gainsford