How to Control Your Thoughts - All According to Plan

Philippians 4:8

As Christians, we know that we should have the ‘mind of Christ’ (Philippians 2:5) and that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

But oftentimes, many of us struggle with controlling our thoughts. Some of us struggle with thoughts of sin or doubt. These negative thoughts can adversely affect your mental health and your spiritual growth.

Therefore, learning how to control your thoughts is an important part of the Christian journey.

What we think is what we become.

So by focusing our thoughts on Jesus, we can become more like Him. But how do we do this? How do you really control your thoughts?

The importance of controlling your thoughts

Paul, one of the New Testament writers, had a lot to say about controlling thoughts. In our verse of focus today, Paul had this to say about the things we should be thinking about:

Finally, brethren, 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

He specifically lays out what we should focus our thoughts on. This implies that we ought to be intentional about what we think and not just allow our thoughts to run wildly.

Again in Romans 12:2, Paul lays out another principle about our thoughts:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

Our thoughts lead to actions

If we focus our minds on Christ, over time we will become more and more like Him. But this takes intentional effort.

When sinful or negative thoughts arise, we must learn how to dismiss them healthily, so we can make positive changes in our lives.

If we don’t attempt to control our thoughts, then any lustful idea can grow within our mind, it can become an action and then be developed into a habit.

‘Watch your thoughts they become words. Watch your words they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits they become character. Watch your character it becomes your destiny’
-Lao Tze

Watch your thoughts they become words. Watch your words they become actions. Watch your actions they become habits. Watch your habits they become character. Watch your character it becomes your destiny -Lao Tze

The connection between thoughts and mental health

In a very true sense, our thoughts control our lives. Whatever we constantly feed ourselves, will be allowed to grow and fester in our minds.

Therefore if you feed yourself with positive thoughts, then naturally you will have a better outlook on life and have a more contented existence.

However, for many people who suffer from mental illness, negative thoughts can’t just be neatly tucked away and replaced with positive ones.

In reality, these negative thoughts set up permanent residence in the mind and entraps its victim in a cycle of anxiety, despair or mania.

However, there are some Biblical principles you can use to control your thoughts.

But it’s going to take some practice! Habitually training your mind to think more Christ-centered thoughts, takes time, patience and determination.

Here are 5 keys to help you control your thoughts:

5 Simple ways to control your thoughts-allaccordingtoplann.com

1. Become self-aware

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Proverbs 25:28

At a young age, we become aware of ourselves. According to the popular quote, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ However, many times throughout the day, we forget about being aware of our thoughts.

This is a problem because unchecked thoughts can become unwanted actions. Self-awareness ‘involves monitoring our inner worlds, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs.’ (Tchiki Davis, Ph.D from Psychology Today)

The first step to taking control of your thoughts is to be aware of your thoughts. So take some time today, to think about what you’re thinking.

2. Changing ‘I shoulds’ into ‘I wills’

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Once you’ve become aware of your thoughts, it becomes easier to notice the negative and self-deprecating ideas that pop into your head.

(Learn how I was able to overcome self-deprecating thoughts, by reading my guest post for kellyrbaker.com. Click HERE to read.)

Christ has promised us that we can accomplish anything once we have faith in Him. Therefore, nothing is impossible for us to do through Christ.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Matthew 17:20

So if you’re trying to lose weight change your thought from ‘I should try to lose some weight’ to ‘I will lose some weight.’

3. Understand what influences your thoughts

Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22

Do you know that the enemy tries to influence your thoughts? He does this by presenting situations, images and people to suggest ungodly actions. He places these temptations in our line of sight and it becomes difficult to resist. We must be wise about what we allow to enter into our mind.

How and what we think about can be influenced by:

How we were raised
The media (T.V., music, etc.) we consume
The people around us

There are some things that we just can’t avoid. We certainly can’t go around tearing down billboard advertisements of half-naked people, but the Bible still warns us that as much as possible we should abstain from everything that appears to be evil.

Even if that means we remove ourselves from people or situations that suggest un-Christlike behaviour.

4. Don’t allow thoughts to linger

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matthew 5:28

Sometimes a thought pops up in your head. You don’t know where it came from but there it is hunting you and telling you to do things you know you shouldn’t do.

So what do you do? Do you build on it and allow yourself to fantasize?

Jesus warns about lingering thoughts in Matthew 5:28. The more we allow ourselves to linger, the more likely that thought can become a reality.

Therefore, whenever a negative or ungodly thought arrives in your mind, ask the Holy Spirit to remove it at once. Don’t allow it to linger.

5. Change your focus

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

Lastly, the sure way to control your thoughts is by changing your focus. Wherever you place your focus, that’s where your mind will be (Matthew 6:21).

When we focus on Christ and His righteousness, we are allowing Him to come in and renew our minds. We will begin to walk like Him and talk like Him and our thoughts will become more and more in line with Heaven’s goals.

It doesn’t matter what you’re trying to achieve in life when you shift your focus your thoughts will become more aligned with your purpose. And you can live a more abundant life through Christ.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:7

Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Transform my life OH Lord. Renew my mind. Fashion my thoughts towards your will. Remove from me lustful and worldly desires, so that I can be a witness to others of your everlasting grace and mercy.

Amen.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article today. If you have a question, query or story you’d like to share with me, please leave a comment or email me using the form below.