Thought-Life Thoughts

We think about 70,000 per day. But between the house, chores, finances, goals, children, meals and marriage, how many of those thoughts honor God? "But it doesn't matter," I say. "It doesn't hurt anyone because no one knows." After all, "The mind is the secret place nobody goes." However, my Creator knows. And when it comes down to it, that fact is both embarrassing and humbling.

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5

How on earth did I think I would grow spiritual fruit if I was focusing on things of the flesh? There are 3 categories of thought many women face:

1. Insecurity: Lack of confidence or assurance, not being firmly fixed. It's not finding security in Christ but in the ourselves and the world. It is not firmly fixing ourselves on the Word. This is in direct rebellion to the Lord who says in Psalm 139 how much we are valued.

2. Lust: Wanting something that was not meant for you at that time. This can be material items, food, a lifestyle. It doesn't have to be just about sex.

3. Worry: About 350 times in the Bible it says "do not fear." Also in Matthew 6 God talks about things you don't need to worry about. Worry chokes out the peace the Lord has for you. There is a difference between concern and worry. Concern is an issue we can do something about. "I have a weird mole so I go to the doctor." A worry is what God can take care of that we can't. "I have to have the mole removed and I want to make sure I come out alive." Concerns draws us to God whereas worry draws us away from God.

So how can we set our mind on the Spirit?

1. Pray: Be honest with God and confess your sin. "I've been in rebellion to you Lord. Heal my thought life. Reveal to me the root of these issues -- why I think these thoughts." It helps to write down every bad thought you had that day to further see your rebellion to God and why you need His help.

2. Make a commitment: Allow God to tell you what you need to do to make things right and DO THEM! Get accountability by listing your action items and giving them to trusted individuals.

3. Prepare a defense: Satan will come at you with temptation almost instantly. Be prepared to talk down the devil with the sword of Truth. Insecure? Read Psalm 139. Lustful? Read Psalm 84:10-11. Worrying? Read Phil 4:7.