Anyone can be susceptible to a troubling thought. It can be difficult when the thought is persistent. A negative thought could be about what attacks self-esteem. It can be fear for the future. It can be regret or guilt. Anxious thoughts can be for family or loved ones. There is a whole universe out there of troubling thoughts. The point of this blog is to answer the question, “How do I handle those troubling thoughts?”
There is a scientific principle that plays into the answer. No one can think two thoughts at the same time. We may alternate quickly between the two thoughts but cannot consider both of them at the same time. Try it yourself. Look down at your shoes. Look up to the ceiling. Now think about both of them at the exact same moment. You cannot do that!
Distract yourself from one thought by thinking about another thought. You have the ability to take control of your mind. Give yourself credit that you can have the power over your own mind. “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)
When a thought is troubling you, exercise authority over your mind. Think about something that fits in the category of this Scripture such as what is true. Your mind likely will try to play tricks on you by diverting back to that troubling thought.
Immediately go back to that which is true or whatever is listed in this Bible verse. Divert yourself away from the troubling thought by substituting it with a good thought. Should you return to the bad thought, divert yourself to the good thought. Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? It is really quite simple. Choose what you are going to think about.
This is what Paul was saying. If you have a troubled thought, do not fight it. Divert, distract, determine that you will not dwell on the bad. Dwell on the good.
First Thessalonians 5 says, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks:”
As you go through your daily routine, give thanks for anything and everything such as finding keys that you thought were lost.
The Scripture says to pray without ceasing but that doesn’t mean you have to bow your head and fold your hands. It means to have continual communication with the Heavenly Father. Talk to him about his creation and its beauty. Complement God on the fine things he has done in this world.
When the text says that we should rejoice, it does not mean we should ignore the difficult things of life. Even though we have difficult circumstances we can be glad about our eternal situation. We have a choice whether we think about the negative things of life or think about the everlasting good things of God.
Christian Writer 