How Do You Control Your Thoughts?
A Single Thought has Power
Did you know there’s power in a single thought?
Many live their lives controlled by their thoughts. If they have good ones, it’s a great day. They feel great about themselves and are kind to others. However, if they have a negative thought, watch out world! What a crazy way to live.
I used to live my life this way. When a thought—either positive or negative—would pop into my mind, I’d take it to heart. I’d live each day whichever way my mind blew.
How many times does a thought surface that says, “You’re stupid! You can’t do anything right! You’ll never be as good as so and so.” You can bet on negative thoughts to flood your mind daily. There’s much debate about the number, but we may have 50-70,000 thoughts per day per person, and 80% are negative!
Here’s the rub. Did you know you can control those thoughts and turn them into positives? Many years ago, I didn’t, but I do now. Every single one of us struggles, but I’ll let you in on a secret.
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While sometimes we have no control as to what thoughts enter our minds, we are able to take control of these thoughts. God’s Word helps us to recognize our thoughts for what they really are, and how to act (or not act) upon them. Use Bible verses to help control your thoughts in a way that God encourages.
3 Simple Ways to Control Thoughts
#1 Think of Thoughts as Seeds
A seed can grow into a good deed—or a weed.
The thought is planted in the brain and moves from your mouth to your actions. These actions can take the form of depression or happiness. They can cause you to speak out negatively towards yourself or others. If you control the planted seed, then you can control your life. Control your thoughts, and you can control your reactions in the short term—so you won’t have regrets later.
#2 Take Every Thought Captive.
When a thought arises, as it surely will, ask yourself these questions: Is this true about me or others? Is this how God sees me? If not, toss the bad seed away. Picture yourself locking it away in a cell, and walking away. And think on this verse:
Romans 12:2 Do not conform 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.
#3 Replace the Negative Thought with a Positive One.
If the thought comes, “I am stupid,” replace it with, “I am a child of God and loved by Him.”
Because gaining victory in this area is so important for a calm and peaceful life, I interviewed two authors who wrote several books about this topic. You can listen to the interviews and find their books here and here.
Phillipians 4:8 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.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice using these techniques on your own thoughts. In time, you’ll notice how much happier and freer you will feel—and others will notice the change in you.
Do you have your own technique for controlling your thoughts? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
Penelope Silvers is a freelance writer, author,
and radio host of Penelope’s Book Chat on Blog
Talk Radio. She lives simply and sanely on Florida’s
beautiful nature coast.
Meditation and deep yin yoga helped expand my awareness Penelope, to see I was not the thoughts, but an observer of something called “thinking”. We watch, or attend to, or observe, like watching a movie of thoughts and feelings unfold on the screen of our mind. Awesome how it occurs as awareness expands. Smart tips.
Hi Ryan, I found it very interesting the way you described your thinking as if watching a movie. I had to ponder on that for a bit. 😉 I agree that yoga is wonderful for calming the mind and making you aware of how your body is feeling. Thanks for sharing, and stop by anytime! 🙂
I am actually really good at controlling my thoughts and not thinking negatively. I have a wonderful life and a great support system, so really I can’t be negative about that, what-so-ever!
Hi Gigi, I can tell by your videos and posts you are a super positive person! You are so fortunate also to have such a wonderful support system. That is major in helping us to stay positive! Thanks for commenting and stopping by. 🙂
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great article keep it up.
Thank you, Chris! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the article. Appreciate you joining in the conversation. 🙂
Your tips about ways to control thoughts are great. I agree with you that our moods depend of our thoughts. I’m always positive and try to control them all the time. Lot of positive thinking books helped me in this
Thanks, Elizabeta! There are so many great books about how to control our thoughts. It is so much easier to stay positive than to sink down into the negative and try to dig your way out. Thanks for stopping by and sharing what has helped you. 🙂
Wow, what a great blog. My mind loves to jump in and interrupt my thoughts with catastrophic ones. Sneaky little devil!
Thanks, Micki! You are so right about that mind being sneaky. That’s why we have to continually be on the offense. Thanks for stopping by. Always great to keep in touch with you. 🙂
I often allow negative thoughts to just have a hey-day, continuing the thought process for a long time. I’ve been working lately on paying more attention to what I’m thinking and then recognizing it for good or bad. I love the idea of replacing a negative thought with “God loves me.” That is one I can’t talk myself out of, so that would work for every negative thought! 🙂 Thanks for sharing on #heartandsoullinkup
Hi Jennifer, I think we will struggle with our thoughts until our last breath. I have really tried to be mindful of my thoughts and where they are coming from. If a negative one pops into my head, I immediately say, “Take this captive,” and usually it just vanishes that quickly. Thanks for sharing your “thoughts” 😉 and always happy to see you here!
Yes, I think you’re right–it’s a constant struggle. I like the reminders to pay attention to them. I really do like the “I’m a child of God and He loves me” replacement idea. I have always struggled with not believing what I tell myself to replace negative thoughts. Like, “This will never work”– I can’t just replace it with “This will work” because I don’t believe it. But something relating to knowing I’m loved of God… I can totally do that! 🙂
Yay Jennifer! You are not alone in your struggle. I’m so glad the suggestion helped you. 🙂
I truly believe you can’t just make yourself stop thinking a negative thought – you have to replace a thought that is not serving you with one that will help you more. Great ideas! #heartandsoullinkup
I agree, Lori! I keep hearing that “nature abhors a vacuum,” and that applies to our thoughts, too! Thanks for sharing your heart. 🙂
I have learned this recently and it makes a huge difference. I love the statement, a thought can turn into a good deed–or weed! It’s so true and a powerful way to think of it. Thanks for sharing! #heartandsoullinkup
I was pulling out my metaphors on that one, Alicia! 😉 Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
I have a mentally ill relative that sends me mean hateful text messages. I finally had to change my number. But, I do have control over how I let it affect me. Thanks for the reminder to ask myself is what they say true and is this how God sees me? I can now let it go.
That is a really hard one, Marsha. Especially when it’s a relative. But knowing they are mentally ill should help in knowing it’s not personal, and nothing they say is true about you. You are God’s daughter. Wholly and wonderfully made and loved. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I live by the bible and try really hard to apply it in my life. The hardest part is to remember to take the time to ask ourselves these questions and not just react. Good points to remember. Thanks for sharing. #heartandsoullinkup
Living our life by bible principles is the best way to live. The hard part is remembering to stop and apply what we’ve read in our daily life. Most of us react first. Thanks for the great questions to ask when we are dealing with negative thoughts. #heartandsoullinkup
Oh my. We all reminders constantly! Appreciate your thoughts, Marsha. 🙂