Much has been written regarding mental and emotional health; as well as the benefit of healthy mindsets.
Carolyn Leaf has said that humans are 99% spiritual and 1% physical. Inasmuch, “as you think, feel and choose, your brain changes in response to your mind.” (Switch on Your Brain)
So much around us – weather, accidents, other people’s choices – we have no control over……. Yet, there are a couple of areas in which – regardless of any external circumstance – we will ALWAYS have control.
our thought life
our choices / responses
This should be really good news! No one can take these privileges away from us.
Scripture consistently instructs and encourages us regarding our thoughts, mindsets, and our words:
Philippians 4:6-8: (BSB) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
Proverbs 4:23-24: (BSB) Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.
Proverbs 18:21: (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Hebrews 11:1: (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
John 6:29: (NIV) Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18: (ESV) Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Proverbs 17:22 (NLV) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Jesus told his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
So, how does one exercise self-governing authority over one’s thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and resulting choices?
I personally believe a cornerstone in this process is a heart of gratitude.
The online dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
Interestingly, an online search reveals the following thought regarding gratitude:
“Gratitude is one of many positive emotions. It’s about focusing on what’s good in our lives and being thankful for the things we have. Gratitude is pausing to notice and appreciate the things that we often take for granted, like having a place to live, food, clean water, friends, family, even computer access.”
Regardless of life’s challenges, relational heart aches, work difficulties (the list goes on) …. we can always find something to be thankful for; and we will reap the mental and emotional benefits / blessings / protection of choosing to be grateful.
