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
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.
Thank you this is so very true. When l wake up in the morning l praise and worship then l pray. It really does wonders. Be blessed
Thanks for sharing Cheryl! God bless you!
How true, how true, I spend a few hours at night watching the news. Not good, most of the news stations lie about what is going on. I pray that I start spending more time in GODS word. Thank you Doug. GOD Bless
God bless you Henry!
This is great Doug. Thank you. Actually first thing in the morning, I do check my phone for the DPW! ha ha! but it’s been so helpful for me to take advantage of my long commute to work and I listen to podcasts, sermons, or worship music on the way in and continue in the afternoon on the drive home with the same or I shuffle in some personal and business development. Your podcast yesterday was great. I wish you had them more often sometimes! God bless you!
Awesome Tracy! Thank you for listening! God bless you!
Yes, thank you for excellent counsel. I will buckle down and refocus on the Words of God..
More than I do now
God is so faithful. I am up in the wee hours of morning many times a week. Praying for safe return of my kitties from their wanderings, which can put them on BLM land next to us.
God is so faithful…
but I pray also forgivenss for neighbors…. I need to refocus more on God-Words coming through David, in Psalms..
Thanks, I will pay for the 3 prt series first of next month; I take this seriously, I don’t want to stay bogged down..
Blessings and PEACE to you <3
VivRHarvey
Thanks for sharing Viv! God bless you!
Thank you Doug Addison. You always have just the right words or just the right teaching at just the right time in my life. I really appreciate how you share ao much with us. Thank you for your walk with the Lord and your ability to hear him. I want to be like that and pray some day I will be in the place where all I hear is His voice. May His blessings flow even greater in your life.
Hey Carol! Thanks so much for your kind words! God bless you!
Doug, you have no idea how I have cried out to the Lord for help in controlling my mind thoughts! This is such a big help thank you so very much for this! 💝💝💝💝
Awesome Cherise! Thank you for sharing with us!
This is so good, thank you for sharing Doug. Checking in with God during the day is one I would love to cultivate. I have a great time with Him in the morning and then almost switch off during the day, going on to have a crazy war in my mind all day. It will be amazing to pause and shift my gaze on to Him at intervals, like before work and lunch time. Just like Bro Lawrence says in the book, Practicing the presence of God.
Thanks for reading Bee! God bless you!
Two weeks ago, my wife walked out on me.
I cannot get her out of my mind, I love her!
Please, how can i refocus my mind?
I get up in the morning and check devotions, I pray in spirit as I walk to work, but she is constantly on my mind, it’s like a knot in my brain.
I pray for her salvation and for restoration.
I believe God will do it but I can’t stop asking when.
How can i get peace?
Hey Christopher. I am so sorry you are going through this right now. That is such a difficult situation and it is okay to be in a time of mourning. You may want to get some prayer from a local church during this time. Praying for you.
So important to get rid of stinkin’ thinkin’ and just saturate our minds with truth!!
I battle with anxiety and so its been really tough for but God has taken me on a incredible journey and its been amazing!!
Amen Darren! God bless you!