We live in difficult times. But I don’t have to tell you that. You’re already hearing it at almost every turn, billboards, TV, Facebook, other social media, heated discussions in family living rooms. At one point you must take back control and monitor what you allow to permeate your mind, body, and spirit.
Mind Shift
There are many books on how to be happy. The common denominator is to take back control of your mind. Kody Bateman teaches, “The story of your mind is the story of your life.” And while I think Kody rocks, I actually felt that it wasn’t biblical and somewhat rebuked that saying in my head. However, while in prayer one day, I realized what it meant!
In reality, it’s a simple concept. People just tend to make things more difficult than they are. Me included. Even the bible tells us to take control of our thoughts.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Have you ever noticed that when you talk about a situation that made you angry, you get angry all over again? How about when you talk about the day you first met your spouse or hung out with your best friend all day laughing until your sides ached? How did you feel after that?
Everything we think about has some sort of emotion attached to it. Those emotions cause different responses that set the tone of the moment, or even the day, week, or month. Simply put, how you feel comes across to others and how others feel comes across to you, which becomes a domino effect. If you call an office, and someone answering the phone is in a bad mood and you hear it in his or her tone, you get upset. On the other hand, if the person is kind and helpful, you feel good after you hang up. We often do this to ourselves as well. I know I did.
But then, I had a mind shift. And even with all of the chaos around me, I made a conscious decision to change the way I think and feel about certain things. I told my family what I was doing and they supported me. Support is fairly important or it could take longer. It took me a couple of weeks for the shift to occur.
The Answer
Change the stories of your mind as often as possible to happy and healthy stories and thoughts. Create beautiful “I AM” statements. Examples of I AM statements are:
1. I am creating a life I love.
2. I am happy.
3. I am organized.
4. I am healthy.
Eventually, you’ll believe that you are what your mind has focused on, whether it is successful, happy, or whatever else you desire.
- It’s not metaphysical (as I once thought).
- It’s not hokum or false beliefs.
- You’re not “willing” something to happen.
- And finally, you’re not out of the will of God.
You’re changing how you feel and that in turn is changing how you come across to others. When you’re happy and successful, others want to be a part of what you’re doing or hang out with you.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
When you focus on God and not of the things of this world, you will become more fulfilled and satisfied. When you become more fulfilled and satisfied, you will be happier. When you become happier, your vocal tone and behavior will reflect this. Others will then feel your peace and joy.
However, remember, this is not about material things. It’s about sluffing off the old and negative and embracing the new and positive. This takes practice and purposeful thinking.
“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
When you have a positive mind shift, a new life begins – of happiness, fellowship, peace, and prosperity.
Are YOU ready for a mind shift? Connect with me and I’ll show you how I chose happiness. Join our group for support and fellowship: The Busy Woman Facebook Group
Cheers!
PS. I opened up my bible study this morning to find this verse to focus on today.
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.
God wants us to be happy. Sometimes He has to take us down difficult roads. But, those roads always lead back to Him.
Renew your mind today.
PPS. Interesting read about Psalm 37:4: http://www.gotquestions.org/delight-yourself-in-the-Lord.html
Susie, I absolutely love this article! Renewing your mind IS such a godly principle, and is something that, when we work on it daily, reaps great rewards! Joy and peace unspeakable are two of the fruits of that. Keep up the good work, sistah!
Thanks Debbie!
I recently realized I was depressed – again. One of the things that is helping me get out of it is telling myself many times a day – “I choose joy.” One morning I actually woke up feeling joyful. Our feeligs are often the last thing to kick into positive after a time of depression or discouragement.
You are also am amazing person who steps in and and supports others. I am grateful for you. I’m so happy you are choosing joy! Hugs, Susie