Control Your Thoughts

Is the glass half full or half empty? We have all heard this analogy many times. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Are you an enthusiastic, optimistic, hopeful Christian? As a Christian and a believer, you have every reason to be all of those things when it comes to your life here on earth and your eternal life. William Ralph Inge stated, “No Christian should be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism.” Though his words may ring true, sometimes we are pulled down by hard times. If you’re discouraged, tired, exhausted, overwhelmed, or all of these things, it is time to ask why. What is bothering you? Why do you feel the way you do?

If you are concerned and worried about the everyday challenges of living, think about what God has done for you. The ultimate battle was won on the cross. If your life has been transformed by Christ’s sacrifice, then you, as you receive God’s grace, have every reason to live courageously. God’s grace does not turn itself on and off as you go through the trials and tribulations of your everyday life, it is like a waterfall which is constantly flowing forever. We must choose to accept this gift and let it flow upon our lives and not stand on the banks of the stream observing; but we must jump with both feet into the stream and let it fall down upon us.

As A.W. Tozer observed, “Attitude is all-important. Let the soul take a quiet attitude of faith and love toward God, and from there on, the responsibility is God’s. He will make good on His commitments.” He emphasizes that even when our daily lives are challenged and seem daunting, God remains steadfast. You should make that leap of faith and make a promise to yourself to be optimistic and a hope-filled Christian. Try thinking positively optimistic about your life, family, career, future, goals, and your basic purpose for living. Trust in your hopes and not in your fears. Take the time out to smell the roses and enjoy God’s paradise on earth. Once you have filled your life with happiness and joy share it with others and pass it around. You will bring joy and love into their lives and by doing so you will be rewarding yourself and spreading back to yourself.

Your thoughts are the determining factor as to whose mold you are conformed to. Control your thoughts and you control the direction of your life.

Charles Stanley

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise – dwell on these things.

Philippians 4:8