What are YOU thinking about?

I’m sure you are familiar with the phrase, “you are what you eat.”

There’s another phrase that many have come to realize is true: “you are what you think.”

Even the Bible declares in Proverbs 27:7: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. KJV

The thoughts that enter our brain seem to come from everywhere – our memories, photographs, what we watch on television or see in movie theaters, conversations, what we plan to wear to work tomorrow, how that special dish is going to taste, songs on the radio, how we are going to pay our bills – in other words, the world around us.

Our brain does a wonderful job at filtering and cataloging all the incoming data and making decisions as to what is placed aside and what is consciously thought of.

However, I believe we can make deliberate choices as to what we think about. Some would argue the opposite – they have no control of their thoughts.

There are other times when we aren’t necessarily focused on anything. It seems, the more time we have on our hands translates into more time when our thoughts randomly march through our mind. In other words, we are caught up in worry.

Conversely, when we are focused on a task – cooking, working, interacting with others – we are capable of thinking about what is going on at that moment. Although our attention may occasionally wander, for most, the activity at hand usually holds our interest.

Ask anyone who has a problem going to sleep at night. Many times, they can’t seem to turn their mind off. If you’ve ever experienced that kind of insomnia, you know how devastating it can be.

I battle anxiety. It’s an insidious thing. I can literally make a mountain out of a molehill, and do so quite easily. In all honesty, I can tell you that those things I’ve worried about to the point of distraction have never happened.

There are many ways to combat anxiety, but unless you totally numb yourself out with drugs or some other substance, you cannot turn your brain off.

My solution is to choose what I think about. To some, that may sound easy but it isn’t. It takes a concentrated effort to focus our thoughts on something other than an object of worry or obsession. Of course, the question might be asked – what should a person focus on? God has given us guidance throughout His word, but there is one scripture verse that could give us a general idea of where we can begin.

Philippians 4:8 says: “ … whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” New International Version

When I began this blog, my intent was to provide words of encouragement without compromising the truth. This month I began by laying a foundation of sorts, based on my own beliefs and experiences. I believed it was important for readers to know what I trust in but more importantly, the Truth of God’s word.

My heart’s desire is to provide ideas and thoughts that provoke pondering.

So, think about things that are true, noble reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious … in other words, as The Message says – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

It’s your choice.

Blessings, Francine

2 comments:

    That's what I'd hoped to show ... you help me see that I'm on the right track, lol.

     

    That's what I'd hoped to show ... you help me see that I'm on the right track, lol.

     
 
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