Whose Thoughts Are You Thinking?

            Whether we realize it or not, the thoughts we think are crucially important. They can affect so many areas of our lives, including our perspectives, attitudes, and mental and emotional health.

            During recent circumstances in my own life, I’ve felt stuck in a cycle of my own annoying thoughts. These thoughts, which are not always positive, can get rather loud in my head, drowning out other important voices.

The other day, I came across a note I had written a few months ago on Isaiah 55:8: “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord” (NKJV). The note was simply this: “Whose thoughts are you thinking?”

That one question challenged me to reevaluate my thought life and figure out whose thoughts I had on constant replay.

Was it my own negative, doubtful, and fearful thoughts that can only come from Satan, the father of lies (see John 8:44)? Or was I thinking God’s positive, truthful, and loving thoughts?

When I think about my future, are my thoughts fearful? Ones that doubted God’s faithfulness, or were they full of faith, believing that God has good plans for me?

When I think about school, am I thinking self-deprecating beliefs that say I will never be smart enough, never have grades that are good enough, or never get into the school I want to get into? Or are my thoughts aligned with Scripture, saying that God’s grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9), nothing I can do or fail to do will separate me from His love (Romans 8:38-39), and that He will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5)?

Am I thinking God’s thoughts about myself – ones that say I am loved, that I am free from sin’s penalty, and that I can have the joy of the Lord, regardless of my situation? Or do I let them get drowned out by lies from the enemy that say my life is worthless, I will never be good enough, and I am too far gone for God’s grace to save me?

Instead of worrying and allowing "what ifs" to dominate my mind, am I trusting God's power, faithfulness, and goodness?

Friends, your thoughts can affect the rest of your life. Let me encourage you to not think negative, life-draining thoughts from the enemy but rather thoughts that align with the truth of the Bible. Not only will it strengthen your faith in God by meditating on His Word, but it will make you happier as you focus on what your loving heavenly Father says about you.

It’s a daily battle that requires discipline, yes. But as my pastor once said, “We are not fighting for victory; we are fighting from victory.” Christ has already won the ultimate victory over the enemy once and for all. All we have to do is choose to walk in that victory that He purchased with His blood. And one way to do that is to defend against Satan’s attacks on our minds with the truth of God’s Word that tramples every lie.

Let’s do it together.

-Olivia

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