Let God's Word direct your thoughts

We should focus on who we truly are in God’s eyes; holy and specially made by God for a great purpose. When we keep God’s Word and purpose for our life in mind we can block out negative thoughts. This is important because our thoughts and what we see, hear, and say have a large impact on how we view the world and ourselves.

A researcher from the University of Tennessee studied the effects of media on how people think. Two groups of participants listened to a five-minute radio program. One group’s radio program was filled with negative news stories: an earthquake, riots in the street, a bus accident, and other negative stories. The other group listened to more positive uplifting stories.

The researcher found four discernible effects of the people that listened to the negative news stories: (a) they were more depressed than before, (b) they believed the world was a negative place, (c) they were less likely to help others, and (d) they began to believe that what they heard would soon happen to them. Our concept of reality is shaped by our thoughts. If we realized how powerful our thoughts are, we might never think a negative thought again. If we focus our thoughts on the positive uplifting grace of God’s Word, then God can use us to bring light, hope, and joy to the darkness of this world.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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 4:6-8