Get Your Mind Right!

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7

Nine simple words with such power. It's true what people say, that words have power. But beyond the power of the spoken word is the battle we go through in our minds. Many times, thoughts we have in our minds, memories we hold on to of negative words people have said against us, all those things may never be audibly spoken but will mentally and psychologically weight us down. Our thoughts can be just as as powerful, just as hindering or fulfilling as the words we speak. Change starts in the mind.

Let me give you a personal example. About 3 1/2 years ago, I found myself in an emotional turmoil. I had made decisions (namely about romantic relationships) that compromised who I was as a woman. I was living a reality I never intended for myself and could not see past my present situations. My thoughts were full of self-pity, resentment and even depression. It did not feel worthy of love. I felt my past would always haunt me; there was no redemption in sight. I was so consumed with the hurt I was feeling, I didn't know how to make things right. I began to make more decisions that lead me to an even darker place. It was then I picked up a book by Joyce Meyers titled "The Battlefield of the Mind." In it, Meyers explores the power of your thoughts and how negative assumptions, unforgiveness, past pain, even words spoken against can lead you to believe certain things about yourself. In turn, your actions and reactions play off of those thoughts.

Luckily for us, The Bible gives us a framework on how to think:

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is commendable; if there is anything of excellence or if there is anything praiseworthy--think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Thankfully, I came out of that place. But not everyone does.

What are your thoughts saying about your present self or your future self? Or, are your thoughts dwelling on past hurts, past relationships now broken, past sufferings--perhaps even past celebrations? If so, practice training your mind on positive things. Anyone can tell you you're beautiful, talented, amazing, caring or loving. But if you don't believe those things in your mind, your actions will be limited.

I present a challenge to you---the same challenge I present to myself DAILY: Get your mind right!