Some of my recent journeying has involved considering my thought life and not letting it be so unbridled.  That is not to say my thoughts were excessively of an overtly bad nature but I hadn’t really considered just how much power they can have.

In becoming aware of the fact that my imagination and thought process in general was not this untameable creature that I was bound to for life I have experienced an inner re-balance, a quietening of the soul.

It has not been easy, in fact at times it has been downright horrendous but after determining to seek God’s Word on the topic of thoughts I can truly say that I am a more peaceful, calmer and contented person.  This depth of inner peace has come about through developing a trust in God that I never had before.  In studying the Word I found plenty on the subject of how we think, what we think, what not to think and ultimately about casting all our cares over to the Lord who loves us.

In dealing with anxieties the Word brings much guidance.  Challenging thoughts to align with scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 10:5  (‘Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;’) was initially a very intentional process.

It went something like this….thought whispers, getting louder, getting louder, feeling a bit intense, wait, does this thought line up with the Word, no, God’s Word says not to worry, this thought is about worrying, I need to cast it down.

Now truth be told, when I first began challenging thoughts they reacted like a two year old when you cut the lolly supply…TANTRUM!  My thoughts didn’t just pack up and let go after the first challenge.  Nope, they tried harder, they were not giving up their territory without testing to see just how serious I was about this decision.  They however grossly under estimated the situation for it wasn’t just me they were dealing with, not me and a good idea but rather me with the power of God and His Word.  There is such a power when we envelope ourselves in God’s ways that renewal WILL take place if we just keep at it, one thought at a time, one day at a time.

After some time, effort and healing, my thought life is quite a different landscape.  Adjusting to a calmer, quieter headspace has been somewhat revolutionary; I still am not super great with perfect silence because what used to be an opportunity for more thoughts to plot, plan and imagine various scenarios is now space; If there is too much space without intentional focus my thoughts sometimes test their options…one tool I have found incredibly helpful is to fill voids with music.  Not just any music but the kind with quality Christian content.  Content that keeps my focus on the Lord, His goodness and all that we have in Christ.  Sometimes it is fast and loud other times quiet and reflective.  Sometimes it is new tunes other times I like to dig way way back into the gospel of days gone by but ultimately, encouraging lyrics keep that mental space focusing on whatsoever is good, whatsoever is true and all that jazz.

Addressing our thought life is a journey each of us will take at some time, I am so thankful that the Lord has met our needs and has given guidance through His Word to help us through.  His power at work truly makes a difference, we just have to trust Him.