Change My Thoughts, Change My Life

In Romans 8:5-6 it says, “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (NIV)

I haven’t been sentenced to a life of frustration and stress. I don’t have to be stuck in my hurts, habits, and hang-ups. I’m learning that God has something far better for me.

Everyone wants peace and freedom—and the good news is it may be closer than I think.

The Bible teaches that, for those who follow Jesus, peace is a mindset. If I’m not at peace, it’s my choice.

In the next few months, the economy more than likely won’t change. My work situation won’t change. My broken relationships may not get healed.

But my mindset can change. That will be the difference between a life of self-destruction and a life of peace.

The Bible says in Romans 8:5-6, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (NIV).

I can ask the Holy Spirit to give me better thoughts—thoughts that bring peace, not frustration. I need to look at my situation differently: in the Holy Spirit way.

Will I look at my life the way I’ve always looked at it, or will I look at it the way God does? Remember, the “mind governed by the flesh is death.” Choosing to look at my situation through my own lens is self-destructive.

I can ask the Holy Spirit to replace the self-destructive thoughts with his own. When I’ve got something negative in life, don’t resist it. Replace it.

If I turn on the TV, and there’s something on that I don’t want to watch or I shouldn’t watch, I can’t just sit there and tell myself I shouldn’t be watching it. I have to change the channel. I replace it—immediately.

I choose what I dwell on. I can ask the Holy Spirit to give me the thoughts I need to focus on. He’ll do it! He will change my perspective. And that will change my life.