As you may know, I have recently been enlightened by a very familiar, but crucial group of verses regarding the renewing and transformation of the mind. You can read my thoughts a few blogs back if you wish. The conviction to change my mind’s thought patterns came from Romans 12. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Of course as soon as I decide to focus in on this next phase of growth, I am tempted beyond belief to stay in the pit of my old ways. I feel like I am trapped inside of my own head and I am beginning to realize how much I really do need a mind transformation. The excitement of knowing God’s next step in my Spiritual development pushed out my old thought patterns for a moment, but they quickly reappeared when I came off the mountain top and realized this difficult road ahead.
It seems so strange to me that the very thought patterns I’m trying to get rid of are the barriers keeping me from going forward in this transformation. Example: I am the definition of a Negative Nancy or a Stressed-out Susan. (I made that Susan one up myself.) Whenever I am faced with a new challenge, I instantly tense up and think about every way I am unqualified to even try. I worry about the future, I worry about the present, I worry about what happened in the past, and I stress out that I worry too much. I doubt. I question. I over analyze. I decide something is too overwhelming before I even know the details. On top of it all, I am insecure.
Here I am, bombarded with opportunities to practice a more positive mindset and I am not doing it, or not doing it well. Maybe I feel guilty because having this many opportunities means I need to change A LOT. Maybe I’m still hanging onto an old companion named impatience. Sigh…I’m just typing unfiltered thoughts now.
I think I have a start to a solution. This solution will take much practice for me, but I would rather do that than be stuck in my old ways. I’m going to start by being thankful. I am thankful, but not intentionally thankful. I have a friend remind me of the power of gratitude today and right after that reminder, another friend emailed me this poem below. My mind then turned to Philippians 4:6 which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It seems to me that this verse is saying when we pray with a Spirit of gratitude, God’s peace will guard our minds from the ugly stronghold of anxiety. Another sigh. . . it is time I practice a little more gratitude to change this attitude!
Be Thankful For
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~Author Unknown
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