Be Careful What You Think

 I have noticed that when I have negative thoughts they usually bring me down emotionally as well.   If I do not refocus my thoughts then negativity, anger, anxiety, stress and depression will sneak in and consume my life.

 The apostle Paul writes to the Philippians in chapter 4 verse 8:  “And now, dear brothers and sisters let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (NLT).    

When the negative thoughts begin to fill my mind, I need to re-examine what and how I am filling my mind.  There is a cute song we would teach children in Sunday School and Children’s Church.  

O Be Careful, Little Eyes

O be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little eyes what you see

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little ears what you hear

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little hands what you do

O be careful little hands what you do

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little hands what you do

O be careful little feet where you go

O be careful little feet where you go

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little feet where you go

O be careful little mouth what you say

O be careful little mouth what you say

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little mouth what you say

(Author Unknown)

This simple children’s song sums up Paul’s words to the Philippians.  If we are to have positive and pure thoughts, then we need to be careful of what we see, hear, do, go, and say.  We need to re-examine what we watch on TV, movies, Internet, and even read.  We need to be careful of the music or reality shows we listen/watch as well.  We need to be careful where we go – If the Lord was to return at this moment would we be embarrassed where He would find us?  Do we need to clean up our mouths from impure words?  Are we sarcastic, and critical of others and even ourselves?

If we want to find joy and remain joyful, we are to be careful of what we think, do, see, hear, go and say.  It may sound easy enough, but we all know that it is difficult at times because we live in an ungodly world filled with evil and negativity.  Ask the Lord daily to help you fill your heart with pure, positive and lovely thoughts.  If we practice Philippians 4:8, then we cannot be depressed and our hearts will be filled with joy.