Don’t you hate walking from one end of the house to the other and realizing you forgot why you were there?
Webster’s Dictionary defines remember this way: to bring to mind or think of again.
I also struggle with things I would like to forget, but find they pop into my mind with uninvited frequency.
Forget is defined: to be unable to think of or recall.
Our minds are miraculously complicated. I have so many things I would like to remember in detail, and just as many details that I wish I could forget. Since the clock continues to move ahead and I am not getting any younger, I’m afraid that this dilemma is not going to improve.
Hold on a minute.
God doesn’t want me to be a victim of my own thinking. He has blessed me with the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, and with His help I have learned a few tips that help me take control over my thoughts:
1. Turn up the praise music – as soon as I realize that my thoughts are spiraling downward, I crank up my praise music and sing along!
2. Pray – if my negative thoughts include my own guilt, I pray for forgiveness; if I’m unhappy with someone else, I pray that God will soften my heart and ask Him to bless them. (That last part is never easy, but I have to admit it always improves my attitude.)
3. Set a timer – if my thoughts are the result of healthy grieving, I set my timer for five minutes, allow myself a good cry and then remind myself that I can have another grief appointment tomorrow if necessary.
What a blessing it is to know that I don’t have to allow my thoughts and feelings to control me.
….letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6b (NLT)
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(TNIV)
What a great word! I love these verses you have here. They put things into perspective so easily. The Holy Spirit helps us to get rid of the negative thoughts…AMEN!!! Oh and that verse in 2 Corinthians is fantastic. I love this website. Thank you so much for being here for moms. Sometimes we literally only have 5 minutes to spare so I am very grateful I found this page.
Elle, Thank you so much for your sweet encouragement. You’re right, moms have very little time to themselves; ah but what a precious calling! I hope you come back and visit often and are blessed daily by the Lord’s encouragement in your life.
I love the idea of setting a timer to help you control how much time you spend with your thoughts…it lets you commit to a little time, but also tells you ok, that’s enough!