The idea that our thoughts are powerful is not a new one. But, my question has always been: How? How do you think positive? How do you effect change with your words?
Photo Credit via Gustavo Devito
1. Label your thoughts. I have felt like I was a victim to my thoughts. I thought things just “popped” into my head and I couldn’t do anything about it. I’ve learned that is not true. All of our thoughts have an origin. They are either rooted in light and love or darkness and fear. If we start to call out our thoughts by their source, the positive thoughts will grow and multiply and the negative thoughts will wither and die. Here is an example: Thought – “no one will ever love you the way that you are.” Response – “That is a lie. I am a beautiful child of God and He loves me perfectly just the way He made me.” See, even though each is just a thought. The second is true and, therefore, is much more powerful than the lie. If we recognize our lies and respond to them with truth, the lies cannot remain. This is how we become positive people, living in truth.
2. Replace the negative thoughts. After a bit a practice at labeling our thoughts, we will find a void. It is important to fill this space with truth. We can start small, by writing notes to ourselves on our mirrors and post-its. When we’re not accustomed to thinking positive thoughts naturally, it is helpful to read them all over the place. It helps the positive thoughts become second nature. Usually, I have a theme that I am working on. God is often working on me around a specific issue and this will be the source of my positive notes. Here are some examples: “What is your identity?” or “What do you believe about yourself?” or “Do you believe in healing?” I often blog about these concepts God is working out in me. I encourage you to visit some of the following: http://divorcewithjoy.com/extraordinary-love-part-one/ ; http://divorcewithjoy.com/extraordinary-love-part-two/ ; http://divorcewithjoy.com/what-is-your-hearts-desire/ ; http://divorcewithjoy.com/do-people-change/
3. Get out of your head. Sometimes, we realize just how ridiculous things sound when we actually say them out loud. Would you ever look in the mirror and say aloud to yourself: “you’re worthless, ugly, stupid ..”? The answer is probably no. And yet, we’ll let that stuff roll around in our heads forever. Next time, stop the thoughts in your head and say them out loud. If they hurt or sound ridiculous, then go back to #1 – name it and respond with truth.
We should also know that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes I like to read the Bible out loud. If we ever have a doubt as to what is truth, we know we can find it there. We can also speak these things over other people and especially our children. You have no idea the power of the spirit working in you until you start to speak truth in this way. Below you will find one of my favorite verses to speak into life. These words are powerful when spoken out loud. The more practice you get, the more you see the words work, the bigger your faith grows. It is a beautiful way to live. Enjoy.
Psalm 103
Let my whole being bless the Lord!
Let everything inside me bless his holy name!
2 Let my whole being bless the Lord
and never forget all his good deeds:
3 how God forgives all your sins,
heals all your sickness,
4 saves your life from the pit,
crowns you with faithful love and compassion,
5 and satisfies you with plenty of good things
so that your youth is made fresh like an eagle’s.
6 The Lord works righteousness;
does justice for all who are oppressed.
7 God made his ways known to Moses;
made his deeds known to the Israelites.
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
very patient, and full of faithful love.
9 God won’t always play the judge;
he won’t be angry forever.
10 He doesn’t deal with us according to our sin
or repay us according to our wrongdoing,
11 because as high as heaven is above the earth,
that’s how large God’s faithful love is for those who honor him.
12 As far as east is from west—
that’s how far God has removed our sin from us.
13 Like a parent feels compassion for their children—
that’s how the Lord feels compassion for those who honor him.
14 Because God knows how we’re made,
God remembers we’re just dust.
15 The days of a human life are like grass:
they bloom like a wildflower;
16 but when the wind blows through it, it’s gone;
even the ground where it stood doesn’t remember it.
17 But the Lord’s faithful love is from forever ago to forever from now
for those who honor him.
And God’s righteousness reaches to the grandchildren
18 of those who keep his covenant
and remember to keep his commands.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 You divine messengers,
bless the Lord!
You who are mighty in power and keep his word,
who obey everything he says,
bless him!
21 All you heavenly forces,
bless the Lord!
All you who serve him and do his will,
bless him!
22 All God’s creatures,
bless the Lord!
Everywhere, throughout his kingdom,
let my whole being
bless the Lord!