Think on These Things

by Terry Wane Benton

You don’t want to get in a pattern of negativity that slowly drowns your mind in depression. So, what can you do?

• Turn off the negative input for a while. This can be the constant negative news on TV and social media, or it can be patterns of feeling sorry for yourself. Regardless of the negative pattern, you must redirect your thought pattern and nourish your mind and heart with positive things. Paul gave a list in Philippians 4. Think on these things.
• Stay busy thinking of constructive things you can do to feel a sense of accomplishment. Make a list of things you have wanted to do. Set that list in front of you and begin one project at a time, accomplishing something each day that you have wanted to do. It can be in the yard, in the house, or even away from the house, helping someone else.

Most importantly, start your day by reading the Bible, meditating, and praying. In prayer, make a list of things for which you are thankful. Thanksgiving is key to changing negative thinking. It is hard to truly be grateful and throw a pity party at the same time.

Cast out thoughts of criticism of others and ask yourself if you are really being better than the people of whom you are critical? Pray to grow in thanksgiving, love, and industriousness. Ask forgiveness for being too critical of others, for being ungrateful, and for wasting mental energy on so much negativity that it robs us of the joy we should have in Christ.

Thinking on these things and putting them into action will make a remarkable difference. Rejoice in the Lord always! (Philippians 4:4). That is a command! Give proper attention!