How much does what you think really determine how you act and what you say? Always. Shocking? Perhaps. This world tends to give us representation of toxic thoughts rather than focusing on God’s truth. These thoughts tend to affect our relationships and how we behave. Proverbs 4:4-5 He also taught me, and said to me: Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. The key is to focus on His word. Study it. Apply it. Live by it. It is definitely a struggle to follow Christ however there is no greater reward. An eternal life with Him. You have to be able to pick out the toxic thoughts you have and identify them. Ask God to show you these. Four categories of toxic thoughts are common: fearful, discontent, negative, and critical.
Jeremiah 12:1-4 Yet let me walk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit. You are near in their mouth But far from their mind. But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, And you have tested my heart toward You. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, And prepare them for the day of slaughter. How long will the land mourn, And the herbs of every field wither? The beasts and birds are consumed, For the wickedness of those who dwell there, Because they said, “He will not see our final end.” If your heart is not right God knows. You can fool the average person, your fellow-man, but never God. If you speak good things but do not have your heart right HE KNOWS. What kind of witness is that? Do we look at the next person and say well they never have any trouble? Or why do they seem to always have no trouble at all? God my friend, is dealing with you. He is growing you, testing you, and above all loving you! Toxic thoughts take root in our mind and then they seem to become almost a force of nature….dictating how you see someone or circumstance. Fight the battle, dig in to God’s Word and fight against evil. Satan has already been defeated, why do we seem to let him win? We don’t tap in the strength that God promises to give us.
I am guilty myself. It is an everyday struggle. I have to ask for God’s help everyday. My daily prayer has become “Lord please let everyone see You in me.” This is my ultimate goal. When I come in contact with someone I want them to see Jesus in me not me. I am His and I want to show the world that I am His. To do that they have to see Him in me. Sounds simple but it is definitely no easy task. But to be honest I can’t do it without Him. I have learned that I need to tap into the power He will give me. It makes my days so much better. Even when things seem crazy I just remember it is not about me. It is all about Him. This attitude will help you all the way around. It helps what you think, how you talk, how you act. It has been a very powerful prayer. Prayer is about being long-winded or sounding like you have a doctorate. It is about talking to your Friend, your Creator, your Savior. We try to complicate it and it is really not. My prayer today is if you are reading this that the Lord speaks to you today and gives you what you need. Comfort, guidance, peace, reassurance, salvation whatever the case may be.
With all my love in Christ