Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
For as as a man thinks within himself, so he is. Proverbs 23:7
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
II Corinthians 10:5
For as as a man thinks within himself, so he is. Proverbs 23:7
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
II Corinthians 10:5
I believe that our thoughts can affect deeply how we feel. I often tell people, if you change how you think then you will change how you feel. That may seem like a very simplistic approach, but it is a useful tool in dealing with many situations in our lives. That may be why recovery programs often deal a lot with what they call "stinkin' thinkin' that causes people to stay stuck.
Let's look at why changing your thinking can change how you feel.
I think of the feeling (depression or anxiety for example) as a "fire." The fire is fueled by thoughts. If I think depressed thoughts, I will increase my depression. If I think anxious thoughts, I will increase my anxiety.
This is in no way to say that the way I think will necessarily change my situation. But it is to say that thinking in a healthy way can help the depressed or anxious feelings to lessen or not become worse.
For example, in the case of anxiety, what does the Apostle Paul write?
Let's look at why changing your thinking can change how you feel.
I think of the feeling (depression or anxiety for example) as a "fire." The fire is fueled by thoughts. If I think depressed thoughts, I will increase my depression. If I think anxious thoughts, I will increase my anxiety.
This is in no way to say that the way I think will necessarily change my situation. But it is to say that thinking in a healthy way can help the depressed or anxious feelings to lessen or not become worse.
For example, in the case of anxiety, what does the Apostle Paul write?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Paul says not to be anxious, and he says to talk to God about our situation. He says to be thankful. If we do those things we will have peace.
If I am thinking thankful thoughts, it is much more likely that I will see God and His ability to be at work in my life. If I see Him at work in my life, it is much more likely that I will understand that He is in control of my current situation. If I see Him in control of my current situation, I am much more likely to feel less anxious.
Obviously, there are many things that may make it difficult to think that way. That is where a therapist or pastor may be able to help you "get there."
You can't always change your situation, but if you change the way you think, you may be able to go through it with less anxiety or depression.
Food for thought!
If I am thinking thankful thoughts, it is much more likely that I will see God and His ability to be at work in my life. If I see Him at work in my life, it is much more likely that I will understand that He is in control of my current situation. If I see Him in control of my current situation, I am much more likely to feel less anxious.
Obviously, there are many things that may make it difficult to think that way. That is where a therapist or pastor may be able to help you "get there."
You can't always change your situation, but if you change the way you think, you may be able to go through it with less anxiety or depression.
Food for thought!
