Our first reaction often after we have made a mistake is to call ourselves an unflattering name. Negative thoughts have become our second nature, but they are not of God and not the truth.
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
The thoughts of God are ours for the asking and it takes an intentional mindfulness to change our old and predictable thought patterns that have been developed throughout our lifetime.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Changing your thinking takes perseverance and grace. The Lord has been showing me the importance of replacing my old way of thinking with His way of thinking, by meditating on His Word. Many studies have shown that reading, writing and speaking out loud helps people to understand and comprehend a new thought or subject.
It is not a coincidence that God instructs us to meditate on His Word. Meditating simply means to chew on it – to think on it over and over again. Its thoughtfully reading, writing and speaking out God’s truths into your life.
The next time you are tempted to call yourself an unflattering name, thoughtfully replace that negative name with one of the names God has already given you.
As a final encouragement to all of you, here are some names God has given to each of his children: Friend (John 15:15) Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) Son or Daughter (2 Corinthians 6:18) Beloved (Song of Songs 2:16) Treasure (Deuteronomy 7:6)
