The Bible says we are supposed to take every thought captive. That would be really a good thing to do, but it isn’t an easy thing. With so much that is pleasant and positive, so much love in the world, why do I (and, I suspect, a great many of us) let negative thoughts creep in? Sad to say, the older I get, the more I have to fight this tendency. But, it can be done. And, I’m working on it.
I’ve developed a few methods to help. Want to hear them? Read on. When a worry or a regret or a critical thought comes to call, I imagine slamming a big door on it and yelling, “No.” (You’ll notice I don’t really yell “No”; I just imagine it.) Another help is to repeat a Bible verse. Yet another is to remember something real and heartwarming about a person or an event.
My mother believed that work was a blessing. At the time she said that, I thought it odd as work, to me, was just a chore. But now? Well, now I understand what she meant. When I am busy cleaning house or baking or painting or writing, I’ve no time for negativity. And, when I finish the chore, I have accomplished something positive. It’s a nice feeling of achievement.
Worry is like a snowball rolling downhill. The past and the future are two things I can do little to nothing about. Thinking about them just makes them bigger and bigger until they’ve grown out of all proportion. So, I’ll replace those errant thoughts with positive ones. And, will that make the problems go away? Maybe not, but it will certainly make me a happier person.
Thank you.
You are most welcome, Kelli. Thank you for writing.
I have such a difficult time not worrying about the future. Tim’s parkinson’s makes me so fearful of the future. Thank you for this positive blog. I will try to remember your suggestions.
Not worrying about the future is easier said than done. I’m praying for Tim and the Parkinson’s. I hope all goes well for him and for you too, and Paul.