thoughtful paths

As I was typing/praying before I started this, I told the Lord that I will trust Him to lead my thoughts into the path He would have them go.  Really?  I never thought of God leading my thoughts into His chosen path for me.  I often pray seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit to what/how/who He wants me to pray for…somehow that feels different.

But does God prepare a path for my thoughts?  I think He does.  Like any path in our lives, we have choices.  Which job should I take…do I go for money or fulfillment? Do I continue in my apartment, or buy a house?   My feelings are hurt, I could choose to pout, eat a quart of ice cream, gossip about how rude that person is or I could choose to talk it out with them.

The Word of God says “…and take every thought captive…”   My first instincts were to say, really, do you know anything about ADHD??  How does that happen when thoughts bounce around so fast?  But then I realize, God said it…actually He commanded it.  If God commands us, there must be a way.  After all He created us…and He knows all about the battle in our minds.

My biggest battle of my mind was when I was lying in bed.  I should of done this, I should have said that, or my thoughts would fall into rabbit holes.  What if something happened to my husband…before long I’d be in bed with tears sliding down my face as I attended his funeral and buried him.  The worst part was those thoughts would keep me awake.  It would take hours to fall asleep.

But that does not happen to me anymore.  I had not thought of it in this way before, but I HAVE followed God’s thought paths that He has given us. 

• Before I go more into that I have to say, science is just catching up to God.  They have discovered neuron pathways in the brains.  Those pathways will enable you to transform from a negative person to a positive person by purposely changing your responses to things.  They emphasize practicing gratefulness.  That actually will change your default pathways to creating you to be a more positive and happier person. However, God already gave us instructions on doing that…over 2,000 years ago.  (See below Philippians 4:6-7)

So how did I get beyond the racing brain syndrome?  In science terms I worked to change my neuron pathways…in God-talk I worked to transform by the renewing of my mind.

In bed I would often read my Bible until I fell asleep or a good book or I would dwell on the true and honorable things mentioned in Philippians 4:8 (see below).

I’m not a musical person but when an old song from the 70’s would pop in my head I’d replace it with worship music.  I even started humming, which is very soothing and relaxes you. (I’ve mentioned this in a past post that they actually train paramedics and others in crisis type jobs to hum. It relaxes them and their patients.)

I may work on Bible verse memorization (which I am horrible at).  Or one of my favorite things to do as I fall asleep is to praise God.  This is not only therapeutic for me to remind me how amazing our God is, but it is very offensive to the enemy, Satan.

When my mind starts to wander and the enemy haunts me with events of the day or the past that I messed up, I will whisper out loud God’s praises so the enemy will hear, become frustrated and give up. (Of course, I whisper very quietly so as not to wake my husband.)

I know now that I can choose to allow my mind to wander aimlessly getting lost in worry and often time painful thoughts or choose to follow the path that God has laid out for me.

I choose God’s path…Once you rework your neuron pathways, it becomes second nature to you and sleep comes easily.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  Psalm 4:8  ESV

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”       2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”     Romans 12:2   ESV

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.”   Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”    Philippians 4:8 NIV