Sometimes, thoughts of worry, guilt, hatred, and more can trap our minds in chaos and anxiety. These thoughts are the result of our sin. Although emotions like anger or fear seem overwhelming, God is bigger than all of them combined. He is mightier than sin, and He is more powerful than death. He even promises to fill our hearts with “power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). I want to share some ways to live that beautiful Truth. Here are 5 ways to immediately refocus your thoughts on Jesus:
5 Ways to Immediately Refocus Your Thoughts:
When you struggle with anxiety or dishonoring thoughts, pray about them, first. Ask God to fill your heart and mind with His Spirit. Then, try one of these five ways to refocus your thoughts on things that please the Lord.
Number 1: Think about all the blessings you have received, whether that be something general like food or water, or something specific like a person. Thank God for them aloud, naming them one by one. By putting your thoughts of thankfulness into words, you redirect your mind on the good things that God has given you.
Number 2: Sing your favorite worship song. If you have a disturbing thought, immediately start humming your favorite worship tune. Really focus your mind on the lyrics. Here are some easy worship songs to remember:
Number 3: Recite a Bible verse to yourself. Pick a verse that is meaningful to you and memorize it. Whether you need only to say it once or a million times, reciting the verse will remind yourself of God’s Truth. Find some great Bible verses HERE!
Number 4: Remember a fun event in detail. Recall the sights, the smells, the things you touched or tasted. Think five senses. What was most memorable about the event? Why did you enjoy it so much?
Finally, number 5: Do something mentally engaging. Calculate a math problem in your head. Consider bringing a notepad, a sketch book, a good read, a Writing Prompts Journal, or a Drawing Prompts Journal to distract you from any fearful or selfish thoughts swirling in your head.
Forming Habits:
By trying one these five ways to refocus your thoughts, you can start forming good thinking habits. In 2 Timothy 1:7, it says that God gives us a spirit of self-control. We can use this wonderful ability to stop anxiety or jealousy in its tracks, and start thinking about all the good things that God has created! In conclusion, focusing our thoughts on Jesus fills our heart with greater joy and peace. Like Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
