This is Why Your Surroundings Can Influence Your Thoughts

Do you feel like you have a hard time controlling the flow of your thoughts? 

You may feel like you’ve tried everything, but still can’t seem to stop the negativity in your mindset. Many of us know what the Bible says about our thoughts. We often recite this popular verse:

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 NIV

We understand that we should keep our thoughts on what is good, but sometimes our mindset needs a little help getting there. 

Here are a few ways your surroundings can influence your thoughts for the good. 

What kind of television are you consuming?

Entertainment is so much easier to access nowadays. We can all stream our favorite TV shows and movies to our phones, computers, etc. 

Ever hear that saying, “The eyes are the windows to the soul?” What we take in with our eyes on a daily basis can influence our thoughts.

If you have issues controlling your thoughts, ask yourself if what you’re watching is positive. This isn’t about me giving you a list of TV shows to put on your “do not watch” list, but this is something to ask the Lord about. It’s different for everyone!

What’s your relationship with social media like?

The average person spends about 2+ hours on social media each day. I’m not saying this is right or wrong, but it’s something to be mindful of. 

Ask yourself what kind of accounts you’re following online. Are they uplifting and encouraging or negative? 

Maybe it’s time to exercise that “unfollow” button and start following accounts that put you in a positive state of mind! (Like mine!)

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Many times, the first thing people do when they wake up in the morning is check their phones for new notifications, news, emails, etc. This isn’t always a positive way to start your morning, and how you begin your day is important to your thought life! 

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 NIV

Here’s something to test: Prolong the time between waking up and checking your phone. Give yourself an hour in the mornings of “screen free” time. This can make the start of your day feel more positive, leading to a more joyful mindset throughout the day!

Do you pause to connect with God throughout the day?

Your thought life may also benefit from daily check-ins with the Lord. A lot of people like to start their day by spending time with God—I think that’s great!

Maybe you take a few minutes before you start work to ask God to help you deal with customers and coworkers with grace. During lunch you may take a moment to ask God for wisdom concerning an issue that arose in the course of the day.

Consistently connecting with the heavenly realm during the whole of your day welcomes the spiritual realm to rule your thoughts!

You don’t have to be afraid of change!

If you keep struggling with negativity in your mindset, it may be time to make a few of these changes. 

This doesn’t have to be scary! Trying something new can be a good thing. Sometimes, all it takes is making a few adjustments to get the results we’ve been looking for.

Watch for greater clarity to come to your thought life! 

Blessings!

Doug Addison 

DougAddison.com

P.S. Did you know a negative thought life can block you from understanding what God is saying? I give you my best practices for flipping negative words and situations in my new, 3-part audio series: Getting Clarity When God Speaks. I’ll help you take the guesswork out of hearing God!

Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast and blog. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts, entertainment and media industries.