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“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (ESV)

Taking the perfect picture has never been my talent. While I might have an eye for the best shot, my photos definitely don’t reflect any expertise. Don’t really know how I do it so imperfectly every time. Probably why selfies weren’t on my radar until I discovered this cool feature on my smartphone. Who knew you could simply say “Capture” and your phone would take the picture for you? No hitting a button. No trying to keep my hand out of the lens area. By changing the setting on my phone’s camera, my lack of photography skills has been revolutionized.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if capturing our thoughts was as simple as capturing the perfect pose?

Neuroscientists believe we have 60,000 – 80,000 random thoughts in a day. Our mind is constantly going; the only time our brain waves go to zero is if we are brain dead. From the moment we stretch and get out of bed, we realize our mind is soaring. For some of us it might be remembering our endless list of things we have to get done. For others it may be deep thoughts trying to unpack relationship issues. For some, the first thoughts we recognize in our morning could be fragments of a dream we had. And all these bombard us before we even hit the shower. No wonder we feel mentally challenged.

Positive thoughts centered on God’s word energize us, lift us up and encourage us. Filling our minds with the truth of what God says about us and our challenges. Focusing on His promises positions us to face even the hardest places with courage and boldness. These are thoughts we want to entertain moment by moment.

Sweet friends let’s keep it real here – positive thoughts are not what we get so lost in  – it’s our negative thoughts. It’s a daily struggle to short-circuit thousands of thoughts creeping in and stealing our joy. And the more we entertain unhealthy thoughts, the easier it is for our minds to settle there drowning out the positive. Creating pathways – grooves and ruts – which makes it easier for our minds to go in the same direction moment by moment.

God’s word reminds us in 2 Corinthians to take every thought captive, to seize our thoughts and ensure they are glorifying Him. Just like it took action on my part to program my phone to recognize “capture” when I wanted to snap a photo, we must take action to “capture” our thoughts. If we want our thoughts to serve us well, then we must be intentional in extinguishing negative and unhealthy chatter in our brains.

Speaking God’s truth out loud in the face of unwanted thoughts forces our minds to zero in on every word, thus ending the noise attempting to slay us. Coming up with a game plan in advance postures us for victory.  The past few weeks, I’ve mentally shouted “capture” at the slightest hint of a wrong thought. And my voice was constantly on repeat; however, I am finding I don’t easily entertain those negative thoughts to self like I used to. I’m finally taking captive what wasn’t serving me well.

Capture never sounded more beautiful….the perfect way to keep our thoughts aligned with God’s.

“Father, You have equipped us with minds capable of creativity, innovation and cultivating deep truths. Help us to actively capture any thoughts which don’t glorify you or serve us well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life