Have you ever had a thought just unexpectedly pop into your mind? Often, our thoughts can seem to come from nowhere, and they aren’t always the right thoughts. How do we protect ourselves against this?
The Bible provides clear guidance on how to control our thoughts by managing our actions and aligning our desires with God’s will.
1. Begin with Your Actions
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3
This verse teaches us that controlling our thoughts starts by controlling our actions. If we dedicate our actions to God, He will help establish our thoughts. This means steering clear of bad influences and engaging in good deeds—reading the Bible daily, praying, attending church regularly, sharing the gospel, and assisting those in need. These actions don’t just align us with God’s will; they create a foundation for wholesome and godly thoughts.
2. Align Your Desires with God’s Will
Psalms 37:4 offers this wisdom: “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Sometimes, we fear that following God might mean giving up what we want. However, the Bible explains that if we take delight in the Lord, He will align our desires with His will. It’s a joyful experience to have our desires flow from a heart aligned with God.
Yet, it’s essential to recognize that if we persist in desiring wrong things, God may allow us to pursue them, to our own detriment. Romans 1:28 warns, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”
This serves as a stern reminder that what feels right to us might not always be beneficial.
Instead of pulling God down to our level, we should lift our desires to meet His standard. When our pleasures and aspirations reflect God’s heart, our thoughts naturally become more controlled and closer to God’s will.
