Thoughts.They take up space in our minds. Subconsciously on auto play. Thoughts can be consuming, all-encompassing, even prophetic, if we allow them to be. They are seeds, and given proper nourishment they can lead to a harvest.
What will your harvest look like? What thoughts are you nourishing?
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.-2 Corinthians 10:5
Classifying Your Thoughts
Are your thoughts positive and encouraging, even, and especially toward yourself? Or are they more of the self-defeating type of thoughts, that too easily creep into our psyche?
My thought life used to be one of stinkin’ thinkin’. I used to allow these thoughts to be my reality. The whispers of “you’re not good enough” rang through my head daily as I struggled just to function before I learned more about how God had uniquely created me.
That was my point of transformation. I began to understand I wasn’t measuring up to the version of myself I had set as the goal because I had the goal wrong all along. In learning this, I was freed to live authentically.
We must be vigilant about capturing the thoughts in our minds. As you take each thought captive, ask if it is one that will build you up, challenge you to grow, or help you become physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually healthier.
Positive Thoughts – A Growth Opportunity
Are your thoughts positive and encouraging, aligned with God’s truth about you?If the answer to that question is yes, nourish that seed with all your might! Water it. Give it sunlight. Open it to the fresh air. Focus your energies toward that thought, and baby step your way to make it become your reality. Set goals to help you get there, and announce your intent to those who can help you be accountable and will also encourage and challenge you to keep growing along the way. Lean into possibility thinking.
Negative Thoughts – Also a Growth Opportunity
If the answer is no, ask if the thought has some other purpose. Perhaps it reveals an area of potential growth. Spending quiet time in reflection on what that could mean for you could be transformational. Who do you trust that could walk the journey with you? Is there a friend, family member, coach, counselor, pastor, or doctor who could support, encourage and provide accountability along the way?
If the answer is still no, and the thought is something that’s self-defeating, kick it to the curb. It has no place in your life. Then replace that self-defeating thought with Biblical truth that is positive, encouraging, and growth-oriented.
Nourishing Our Thoughts
I am intrigued by the continuing research into the topic of rest, and it helps me think of a good example. Instead of thinking, “I’m exhausted and can’t get it all done today…I’m never enough,” reframe the thought: “Today is a day my body and mind are telling me I need some rest. I’m going to allow myself the rest I need, recognizing this is just one day, and that I will be better and more productive for having rested.”A Thoughtful Perspective
Perspective makes a difference.
What will your harvest look like?
What is a thought you want to nourish in your life?
Comment below and allow us to encourage you to grow a bountiful harvest.
Every circumstance, external or internal, offers an opportunity to grow. Thank you, Laura.
Never thought about kicking a thought to the curb. But great advice!