Victims Of Our Thoughts?

Today on twitter Max Lucado said "We are not a victim of our thoughts. We have a vote. We have a voice. We can exercise thought prevention." Naturally, he got me thinking. Can we honestly call ourselves victims of our own thoughts? Rationally can we explain to ourselves that it is against our own will that more often than not our thoughts run rampant about irrational, impractical, and far fetched scenarios? Are we really the victim? Poor little us, right? Wrong. Max hits the nail on the head with this one. again. No we are not victims if we do not want to be. I can't tell you how many nights I have laid awake stressing over things that probably are not happening or things that probably will not happen. So why do I waste so much time on useless thoughts that really only lead to sleepless nights and to be honest a little too much acid buildup in my stomach? I'll be the first to admit I'm guilty of throwing myself a pity party with the best of them. What purpose does it serve? It doesn't serve one. All these negative thoughts do is pull us away from reality and what is most important. The devil is one sly dude if you really think about it. He finds us when we are at our weakest and really hits us hard. Afraid about what you are going to do with your life or how a relationship is going to workout? Here he comes with his thought "jedi mind tricks". He is so crafty!


Please tell me there is some good news and some hope! Well never fear there is something we can do to avoid feeling like the "victim". We CAN exercise thought prevention! If we really slow down and "pump the brakes" on these fear and anxiety based irrational thoughts we can really approach them more healthily. I find sometimes have to give myself a little pep talk that kind of goes like "Caroline, you are losing touch with reality. Slow down, really ask yourself if this is rational and even is it possible. Are you really as bad off or as adrift as you think?" Probably not. It is usually not as bad as it seems. Another instance where I and Im sure a lot of people really lose a firm grasp of reality. Another way to exercise thought prevention that goes hand in hand with this pep talk approach is prayer and God. The word of God is a true comfort in uncertain times. Tell me what is more certain and comforting than God's promises. Jeremiah 29:11 says: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." How comforting is that? There are so many instances in the bible where we are comforted and given hope. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Peter 5:7 to name a few more. When approached with thoughts that bring us down such comfort is so powerful. There is nothing like retreating to the word of God to send the bad thoughts out.
When we really think about the idea of being "victims" of our own thoughts it really does seem manageable. Yes I know, easier said than done. But teaching yourself to slow things down, breathe, and retreat into the word are a good start to help combating such negative thoughts that seem to plague us in our weakest and darkest times. Our minds can play terrible tricks on us and playing the victim roll is no way to live. I don't think its fun for anyone and I know it isn't fun for me.


Have a great and safe week especially all of you spring breakers!


Caroline


You should probably follow Max Lucado on twitter: twitter.com/maxlucado
Books by Max Lucado that I recommend: Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear 
                                                                   When God Whispers Your Name
                                                                   Facing Your Giants