Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 23:7, Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 6:17, Ephesians 4:23

Lucy Paculabo Mhondera

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer - Psalm 19:14 (Amplified Version)

How often do your thoughts stray from you? How aware are you of what you think of day by day? What thoughts do you have about yourself, your past and your future? What do you think about other people? Your thoughts are powerful and have great affect on your life. What are you saying to yourself through your everyday thoughts? Whatever it is, whether positive or negative, it's affecting you!

The more you meditate on your thoughts, the more they become a reality; 'I'm stupid', 'I'm useless', 'I'm worthless', 'why would anyone want me?', 'I can't do that'.

Proverbs 23:7 says: 'For as he thinks in his heart, so is he' (Amplified Bible). Basically whatever you think, that is what you become. The more you think negatively about yourself the more you will believe it and have a negative outlook on life.

We have been set free by the ultimate sacrifice Jesus paid, yet our thoughts can bind us and keep us trapped. It's time to take responsibility and captivate your thoughts; control them and don't let your mind rule over you, fight back!

Colossians 3:2 says: 'and set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth'.

The Bible is full of God's promises for your life; words of truth and power. Take hold of your thoughts and focus them on God's word. Set your mind and keep them set on what is above. When you think, 'I can't do that, I'm useless', remember Philippians 4:13 - 'I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]'.

Believe His word! God will empower you and give you strength to get through every situation, so next time you believe you can't do something, read this verse out loud. There is power in Gods word. The Bible describes it as a piercing sword, (Ephesians 6:17). Imagine how much damage and impact a sword would cause; that is the affect God's word has on our enemy. His word is one of our greatest weapons against the lies that flood our minds! If you begin to speak God's word over your life each and every day you will see results. Your mind will become clearer and the untruths you have believed for years will begin to fade. His word does not return void!

We all face temptations every single day and will do throughout the rest of our lives. If you prepare yourself in advance to deal with those temptations you face and the thoughts that go along with them, it will enable you to handle situations more effectively. Whatever you are going through, whatever your struggles or weaknesses may be, you can build a foundation by planning ahead and preparing your mind with words of truth. The mind can run wild, but you can exercise control over your mind and start thinking with purpose! It seems unnatural to plan your thoughts, but the more you start to think things purposefully, by reading God's word aloud, reciting scriptures, meditating on His word and making it a part of your everyday thought process, the more natural it will become. Taking control of your thoughts is an ongoing process throughout your life but you have God by your side to walk you through this and He has given you a whole book of words that are relevant for you.

The Bible is a road map for your life, full of encouragement, strength, guidance and wisdom. I urge you to write down and keep verses that impact and touch you. Read them aloud, use them, believe in them, and carry them with you wherever you go. Dig deep into God's word and renew your mind each and everyday so that you may enter into the life He has prepared for you; a life not bound by lies and negative thoughts, but a life of love and freedom.

'Be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude]' - Ephesians 4:23