3 Habits To Insulate Your Thought Life from Negative Thinking
I have an idea that I think will really stimulate your thinking. What if we could pre-play the future that God wants to manifest rather than replaying the moments when things didn’t work out?
One of the defining pieces of armor in the Christian arsenal is the “helmet of salvation.” “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) This helmet has a few key characteristics. Its primary purpose is to protect your mind—your thought life. Satan has a mind and so do the minions of malicious spirits that do his bidding. Their task is to penetrate your thought life. The helmet is referred to as a helmet of “hope” in 1 Thessalonians 5:1. This could be described as the supernatural ability to keep a tightly insulated thought life against all intruding toxic thoughts and faith-robbing negativity.
Individuals who keep their helmets firm have trained themselves to avoid self-sabotaging self-talk as they partner with God in His plans and promises for their present and future.
What are some ways you can prevent self-sabotage?
- Record. You would be surprised at how many sacred moments occur in a 24-hour period. You will discover the significance of these experiences by making it a habit to review them at the end of the day. I have a journal that I carry everywhere. I encourage you to get a journal and take time to record these daily miracles as reference experiences for when you’re encountering a new challenge. Too frequently, we miss those God-moments that, whether they seem large or small, are truly sensational.
- Rehearse. Remind yourself of who God is. Look upon the whole of your life and one word about God will stand out—His faithfulness! Replay every victory you’ve ever had before you make a critical decision. Do this on purpose because if you’re not careful, without a helmet to intercept them, you’ll start replaying the tape of what has gone wrong in the past. If you yield to negative thinking you’ll focus on what went wrong. This will sabotage the results you want to see.
- Pre-play. The brain is a fascinating thing. Under the helmet of hope, you actually can protect your thoughts from self-sabotaging by pre-playing what God wants to do in the future. This is possible by loading up your thought life with times when things went brilliantly. Your imagination is a tool given by God. Use it to rehearse what you believe God wants to do. Mental rehearsal is the discipline of Olympic champions and miracle workers alike. Keep a visual image of what you’re aiming for—the outcome the Bible promises. Do this and watch what happens.
Question: I’m always looking to discover new tools. What are some daily habits you employ to stay positive and focused in your life? Comment below
As One!
Lance
I worship on a regular basis to change my focus and change the atmosphere. God is so faithful. When I play and focus only on Him I have a new perspective. His Spirit takes over. My mind is renewed. I pray and intercede as the Spirit leads.
Love this post! I am grateful for all that you have brought to the Body in encouragement and challenge to be all we are created to be to the world!
The revelation of speaking the gospel to ourselves was the instrument that changed my life. 5 years ago, I began the journey of Romans 12:2, renewing my mind, when I was tasked by Richard Rhorer of Right Mind Ministries to teach on the science of mind renewal that Dr. Caroline Leaf wrote about in her book, “Who Switched Off My Brain.” The subject intrigued me and the adventure began. Today, I am still teaching on the power of the New Covenant of Grace on our minds and our hearts when we speak the gospel out loud to ourselves on a regular basis. What I have since learned in my personal study of what the bible has to say on this subject has brought me freedom beyond my expectations! The Lord is for us and the designs that He established in our hearts; so much so, that the word heart is the fifth most used word in the bible! Even more, He has already prepared those works for each one of us and given us the grace to walk them out. I am a far cry from the girl I was 5 years ago: more alive, healthier, more vital and content in His love and His purpose for me. The revelation of the Gospel of Grace, the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf has been the instrument of me knowing the love of God and His righteousness in my heart and living it out in my life. I now have multiple opportunities of one on one relationship and teaching classes at my church, New Song Worship Center in Costa Mesa, CA, to share the revelation that I have lived with others. I am currently working on a book with Richard Rhorer of Right Mind Ministries, where we will shall this revelation of Grace and the importance of knowing the finished work of Christ on our behalf while speaking it into our lives so that we can be all that God created us to be as inheritors of the Blessings of Abraham when God spoke the gospel to Him, that he would be “a blessing to all nations.”
Pray without ceasing. Laugh at the delightfully funny things God shares, whether it is the antics of nature or word play. Live in the moment.
I set my mind each morning as soon as I realize I am awake, to praising Him loving on Him and adoring Him. Being in the Father’s presence and walk in one with Him in peace and joy through the day keeping my meditation and focus on Jesus and rehearsing the Word of God thru my mind all day. Keeps me focused and able to receive downloads from heaven and when I am driving Jesus is sitting beside me and we talk like friends, how I love, loving on Him?
I have about 50 selected pictures I put on a flash drive & I plug them into a scrolling digital picture frame
It has past pics and future plans that remind me of successes & things to come. It includes my family & kids too which I count most important. I take it on trips with when I travel or work out town.
Dear Lance:
For about 4 months now, the Lord regularly wakes me up after 11PM & before 5AM – typically 1-2AM.I always get up and learn from Him during that special window, a hidden treasure cove.
He has used your testimony for hours as part of this learning and, in a sense, I am a living book you and specially I help write daily.
Much hope and certainty comes from audio & videos you and a 3-4 others put on the web.
I listen, agree and walk with joyful hope towards the major transformation we experience.
We ARE encouraged by the voice of prophets & apostles. We listen and walk with GOD toward the transformation GOD ardently carries out with who decide to walk humbly with Him and persevere therein through the Mr Mc Goo nearsightedness so natural to us all.
Our times are pre-illustrated in the historic rebuilding of Jerusalem financed by three pagan wealthy Kings in the times of Nehemiah and Ezrah.
Today, GOD has brought major good news of healing regarding my wife’s body which I believe symbolises progress in the healing of HIS very sick and slumbering bride.
Lets joyfully walk obediently as pioneers in the WORLDWIDE TRANSFORMATION HE SO DESIRES and will bring about through Donald Trump as we walk therein in agreement.
Thank you, dear brother, for the enthusiasm you haVe brought AND BRING to so many of us !!
YOU CERTAINLY ARE A RE-BUILDER A LA PIERCE AND CPW.
Vincent O. Piotet aka El Chai 5/6/16
First thing in the morning, i acknowledge the Trinity and my love and need for them. Then i swing my legs over the edge of the bed and acknowledge the full armour of God and that it is firmly in place: helmet, breastplate, sword and my feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. I then declare and affirm that I include and invite the Trinity into my life, every choice, decision. I do not wish to exist without them.
By declaring who He is to me and to life, what He has done for me and declaring all of His attributes. That always leads to worship and declaring my love for Him! All troubles or negative thoughts cannot stay in my mind!
I’m alone most of the time.I read my bible,I pull up worship music on you tube on my TV.I don’t give myself time to let rampid thoughts fog my mind.Stay positive because God is so good to me.He keeps a song in my heart.
I use the pattern set out in Caroline Leaf’s 21 Day Brain Detox and I always have a selected scripture accompanied by some physical action that I use any time I notice a negative thought. It’s always short and easy to do. “Laying aside weights and sins” is a good one. Do some action representing “laying aside”. We are created to love. We are created to take every thought captive.