As a wife and mom, I am the thermostat of our home. I am responsible for setting the emotional temperature of our family. My mood will set the tone each day and my husband and children will respond accordingly.
That is a huge responsibility and I have to be ever conscious of my mood and how it effects my family. Life can be challenging and negative emotions can be stirred up during those times. Emotions aren't wrong, but letting them control me is.
Feelings don't just happen; they are always preceded by a thought.
- Judy Rossi
Our thoughts are so important in shaping our emotions. What we hear in our heads travels to our hearts. We have a choice to let the negative thoughts take root and create negative feelings or replace those thoughts with the truth. His truth.
In 2 Corinthians 10:5, we are told to "take every thought captive" which means that we have control over our thoughts. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that this is possible. For once we become children of God, we have the Holy Spirit inside of us and letting the Spirit control our minds leads to life and peace (Romans 8:6).
In Romans 12:1-2, God commands us to offer our bodies as a "living and holy sacrifice" as an act of worship, which includes our minds. We are to yield and devote everything to Him - from our thoughts to our actions. He goes on to say that we are to let Him transform us into new people by changing the way we think. We need to be molded daily by His truth and not the lies that we often hear in our heads.
Under God's economy, nothing really changes until our minds do. Transformation is the fruit of a changed outlook. First our minds are renewed, and then we are transformed, and then everything is different, even if it stays the same.
- Mark Buchanan "The Rest of God"
He tells us in His Word exactly what we should be
thinking of instead of those negative thoughts.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and
lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of
praise.
Philippians 4:8
In God's Word, there is a truth for every lie the enemy tries to get us to believe.
Feeling alone?
Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the
age.
Matthew 28:20
Feeling tired?
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Feeling defeated?
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Only God's truth will renew our minds and change our behavior.
The lies keep us bound and His truth sets us free.
What negative thoughts are you struggling with today?
How can I pray for you today?
Blessings,
Blessings,
Phil. 4:8 is a perfect verse for me this week. I have really been praying for my attitude about certain individuals I work with, making sure that my thoughts are positive. This has really improved my interactions this week. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouraging post and a good reminder to start the day on a positive note. My kids have been waking up early and sometimes it's hard for me to have a good attitude when I get pulled out of bed earlier than I'd like! Lots of transitions going on in our house as we anticipate the arrival of twins in May - always lots to pray about there! :) Have a great day! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it scary how we can set the tone of our home? Good reminder--thanks Wendy! Be blessed:)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post, I have been thinking and praying about my thought and how it effects my feelings. Thank you for the encouragment
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Desire to Inspire Link Up. Thank you for such an inspiring post. I am definitely the barometer in this home, all of what you write is so important to ensuring that my family are close to the Lord. Thank you for the reminder. Have a blessed day. Tara.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what God has been speaking to me lately as a wife and mom. What a wonderful post fill with so much truth!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reminder, Wendy. In fact, it goes along with what I've been teaching my 7-8th graders this week, about how Jesus wanted people to change from the inside out. If our hearts are pure, then so will be our actions. Thanks for linking up with me at the Mommy-Brain Mixer.
ReplyDelete