Thoughts are very powerful. The wise man wrote, For as he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7a, NKJV). This power can be used for good or bad. In the children's book, The Little Engine That Could, the little train used positive thinking ("I think I can, I think I can"), to overcome a mountain. But negative thinking has caused many doctors' offices and cemeteries to be full.
The Lord addressed how thoughts can be used in a bad sense. Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing (Matthew 6:25)? Worry is defined by Webster's as: mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated. Instead of "Do not worry," the King James Version says, "Take no thought for your life..." Worry originates with your thoughts.
I am a fan of the Star Wars movies. There are some lines in them that address a person's thoughts. “Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin. They’ll betray you,” said Obi-Wan Kenobi. Anakin's mind dwelt upon his past and it brought him misery. He was also anxious about his future. These thoughts led to his downfall. But also, in reality, they can lead to our downfall today. We need to get a hold on our thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). In fact, the Holy Spirit told us, through the pen of the apostle Paul, things on which we should think (Phil. 4:8).
How do you stop negative thinking that produces worry and anxiety? After Jesus said not to worry, he then said, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matt. 6:33). If your primary concerns are the balances in your bank accounts, the size of your home, and the letters after your name on your business cards, then you are in a place where anxiety thrives. But if your goals are on kingdom things, then worry over material things goes away. Second, if you are living in sin, then worry is chasing you: But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out (Numbers 32:23). Repent and do righteousness, and then there will be no cause for worry (Romans 14:17).
If you have your priorities right and you are living right, then know that life will still be challenging (cf John 16:33). When these challenges bring on stress, the apostle Paul said to take it to the Lord in prayer: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7). This peace will guard your "minds," where thoughts originate. The Old Testament has a verse similar to the above: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3).
Remember, whatever troubles come your way, the God of peace has offered to be with you (Philippians 4:9). Turn your thoughts to the kingdom. Change your mind about your sins. Trust in God through prayer. The man after God's own heart, in the midst of great trial, wrote, Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22). May we always keep this thought in mind.
Brotherly, Jamie
