Daily Journal: 14 March

Meaningful Thinking

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Our minds get filled with noise and chatter. If we don’t recognise and control our own thoughts when they pop into our minds, we mismanage their direction and we can end up being filled with worries, false beliefs and false conclusions. These lead to wrong attitudes and wrong choices. Just because thoughts pop into our minds doesn’t mean we own them. We choose to keep or discard them.

Learning to control our thoughts moves us towards meaningful thinking.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (AMP)

We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,

We learn to frame our thinking around what we learn in His Word. He cares for us. He has a plan for each of us. The beginning of that plan and the sustainability of that plan, as far as it depends on us, first begins with our thinking.

Isaiah 58:17 (NIV)

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Are we listening to God or are we listening to our past, our pressures, our dissatisfaction, to the voices around us?

Ecclesiastes 5:17-20 (NLT)

Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged, and angry. Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.

If we’re to enjoy our life we first start with meaningful thinking. Following Christ Jesus is to follow a life that is more abundant in our soul and spirit. If our thinking does not bring life and prosperity, we know it’s gone in the wrong direction. Meaningful thinking is full of grace, conviction and courage. Meaningful thinking is full of faith, hope and love.

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

I pray that we keep ourselves aware of thought processes today and not allow them to go in the wrong direction. God has the right route for us to walk. I pray we follow His way in meaningful thinking and so are able to make meaningful choices and have a meaningful, well-adjusted life.