Experts estimate that we have 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts every day. When you break that down, you're looking at 42 to 60 thoughts every minute. That's a LOT!
It would be awesome if all our thoughts were bright and uplifting, but the reality is that some of them are dark, negative and even downright toxic.
Thankfully, God knows us so well that he gave us a guideline we can use to test our thinking and to steer it in a different direction if necessary. We can find that in Philippians 4:8, which says 'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.' KJV
Let's look at each word/phrase.
TRUE - Did you know that often, our thoughts aren't even true? Instead, they're usually a reflection of who we are and what we're feeling at the moment. We can choose to focus on what is true and in line with the word of God.
HONEST - Sometimes, it's no trouble at all to make things look rosier or more dismal than they really are, but God asks us to be honest, not just in our actions, but in our thoughts.
JUST - It's easy to center our thoughts on justice when it's in the spotlight like it is right now. What happens when it's just you and your thoughts? Are you thinking about how you can be fair and ethical in your life and how you can influence others to do the same?
PURE - This can be especially hard to do in our society, but it's not impossible by God's grace.
LOVELY - This is a word that unfortunately isn't used much. Lovely thoughts focus our minds on the beauty and joy that surrounds us each day.
OF GOOD REPORT - Since thoughts guide our actions and behaviours, we can strive to think in a way that will produce actions that in-turn produce a good reputation.
VIRTUE - Virtuous thoughts lead us to live virtuously, which is one of the things God asks of us.
PRAISWORTHY - God is worthy of our praise. His love, His sacrifice, His ways, His grace, His creation...I could go on and on. Thinking about God and His goodness will help us to see the goodness in our lives as well.
If you need to, ask God to help you steer your thinking to a place where it's more like His, so that you can live a life that's more reflective of Him.
You may not be able to get rid of all the dark, negative and toxic, but you can choose to switch it up when those thoughts come up and you can do this one thought at a time.
Much Love!
-L.