It seems we all have patterns of thoughts that are ingrained in us. Likely our life experiences have played a part in what we think about. And yet we seem to be wired to go down certain thought paths. Have you ever noticed two children, both raised in the same home, and one child who tends to think positively and the other who tends to ponder the darker side of things? Or in your own life, are there certain thought processes that seem to dominate how you view and respond to situations? After a lifetime of practiced behavior you might ask, “Can I really change the way I think?” The answer is Yes. But possible does not mean easy. You will be undertaking a revolution of your mind.
Changing thoughts and behaviors requires first a long-term commitment, especially if it involves a change in values. Like everything in life you are making a conscious exchange, swapping that which is customary but harmful for that which is unfamiliar but beneficial. Change begins with a commitment to a renewed mind. (Romans 12:1) If you are not desperate for a change, it likely will not come.
Just as a medium shirt will not fit an extra-large body, more trim and purified thoughts will not fit a mind that is ‘overweight’ with many desires. Not until we decide we WILL put off the thoughts which weigh us down and put on those thoughts that are beneficial to our well-being. (Colossians 3:9-10)
Some thought patterns go against God’s will – and His best – for you. You will not succeed in achieving lasting positive change until you agree with Him and acknowledge your rebellious ways. That was the case with me 32 years ago when I wanted to change my selfish and angry thoughts. Only God could bring about that transformation.
Some practical tips for changing the way you think:
Be careful where you let your thoughts go when you daydream.
Hang out with people whose positive thoughts guide their actions.
Learn to quickly acknowledge the presence of wrong thinking and imagine putting that thought in handcuffs and marching it off to a courtroom, and leave it there. Immediately replace negative thoughts with those that are beneficial.
Don’t dwell in despair. Learn to give thanks.
Train yourself to agree with God on what is good, what is noble, that which is pure and beneficial.
“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Col. 3:9-10)