Tranforming Thoughts

What we think about during our day will have an impact on our attitude. Chuck Swindoll said, “attitude is 10% what happens, and 90% how you react to it.” Our thoughts and attitude go hand in hand. So if we focus on negative things we will have a negative attitude, positive thoughts will produce a positive attitude. It’s what the apostle Paul is telling us when he wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2). Research shows that thinking positively changes our mood. Check out Dr. Amen’s research on this matter. Paul mentions our thoughts others times in his letters. One particular time is found in his letter to the followers of Jesus in Philippi.

In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells us to “not be anxious about anything.” However, he doesn’t leave us trying to figure out how to not be anxious. He tells us to pray about everything and to be thankful. A few verses later he offers even more things to focus on that can help ease our anxiety. “Finally, brothers and sisters, 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). Our thoughts are what generates our anxiety. Our thoughts that are contrary to those Paul listed are responsible for our anxiety. Anxiety is fueled by fear, uncertainty, and not being in control. In other words, in our anxiety, we are thinking incorrectly.

Look back at Philippians 4:8 and compare your thoughts with the list Paul has provided us. Is your anxiety caused by any of these? I’ll answer “no.” Anxiety isn’t caused by positive thoughts. It’s caused by negative thoughts. When our anxiety is ramping up, we need to investigate the reason. If we continue on the same path our anxiety isn’t going to get better. We find relief from our anxiety when we renew our minds. This means thinking differently. It means taking our negative thinking and transforming it with positive thinking. I will tell you from my own experiences this is not an easy task. When in the throes of anxiety we aren’t thinking about renewing our minds. But renewing our minds is key to relieving our anxiety. I’m working on it. Next time your anxiety is getting the best of you try looking at where your thoughts are, begin the transforming of your mind by thinking positive thoughts.