The Power of Righteous Thinking

(Proverbs 12:5 KJV)  The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

How are your “thoughts” (4284)?  My first response to this is, “How can I control my thought life?”  We tend to think that we cannot control what pops into our minds and up to a point we are right, but there are things we can do to keep our minds clean.  It does not happen by gritting our teeth and trying to squeeze things out of our minds.  I remember when I was in the army I wandered into a dark room where a projector was running and for the first time in my life saw a porno movie.  Fortunately it was also the last.  But at that moment I stood like a deer in the headlights.  I don’t remember how long I stayed but some of the images are still burned into my mind.  How do you get rid of them?  By following the words of Paul:

(Philippians 4:8 KJV)  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

You don’t get rid of evil thoughts by effort but by thinking on the righteous.  When you concentrate on one you find the other fading and life changes.  Your mood lightens.  Your attitudes adjust.  Your resilience returns.  Your thoughts again become what you want them to be.

I practice as I preach.  As I am trying to write this I am continually interrupted.  I find the frustration growing and the anger waiting just around the corner.  I am so tempted to brood and focus on the situation.  Unfortunately, I am writing about just this situation.  I find that as I stop focusing on the things irritating me and get back to applying my mind to the word I am again approaching the ability to think in righteousness.  I can’t control the interruptions and distractions.  I can’t control all that pops into my mind.  But I can point my mind so the Holy Spirit can reward the desire of my heart.

So?  If there are problems or issues, deal with them and then get back to thinking on the good things.  You know when you are brooding.  Recognize it.  Admit it.  And get back on track.