Hit Delete on Negative Thoughts

*Updated 7/24/18 – Originally posted Aug 25, 2013

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 KJV

Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorite verses… it tells us exactly what we should “THINK” about.

Think about things that are…

– True

– Honest

– Just

– Pure

– Lovely

– Good Report

Everything else that does NOT fit into these categories needs to be “DELETED“ from our minds.  (Yes, just like you clean up your phone data hitting delete on old texts and photos!!)

Negative thoughts such as getting even with someone, thoughts of jealousy, thoughts of being a failure, thought of doing something that isn’t pleasing to God, etc. do NOT fit into the categories above.

Negative thoughts, particularly about myself, can get me down.  Those thoughts are certainly Satan’s attempt to restrain my ability to glorify God.

How can I glorify God when I’m depressed or sad? How can I love those people that aren’t so “loveable” if I’m spending time thinking unkind thoughts about them?  I need to pray for them instead.

You see, our thoughts DO affect our behavior and our own words.  Matthew 5:18 kjv says, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”

To have virtue, like Philippians 4:8 speaks about, we have to think about “these things” (as listed above).

PURPOSELY replace those negative thoughts with POSITIVE ones!!! Each time your catch yourself thinking a negative thought….try halting yourself and think of two positive ones!  Re-train your brain!

There are many Bible verses pertaining to our “minds” and “thoughts;”  I can’t list them all in this short post, but here’s just a few to consider…

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”  II Corinthians 10:5 kjkv

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  Isaiah 26:3 kjv

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7 kjv

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” Ephesians 4:23 kjv

Let’s work this week to keep our thoughts holy, and ask God to help us “renew” our minds daily…and ask Him to help us conquer our negative thoughts as well.

God bless your week ahead,

~ Rhonda White

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Memory Verses for Kids Virtue Philippians 4:8