How to Silence Your Thoughts
I rolled over the other day as I opened my eyes for the day and felt this incredible sense of peace. It was truly indescribable. The morning was peaceful. It was very quiet. I was still sleeping (my feet had not yet hit the floor). But then, one by one, thoughts began to flood in with each demand of the day – until they were silenced!
Yep. I turned them off. You, too, can!
Whether you’re rolling over to think about work, your marriage, job (or financial situation), children, a lack of opportunity, fears, doubts, comparisons, or ambitions, silence them as soon as possible. In other words, slowly awaken without feeling rushed to entertain thoughts of dilemmas, day-to-day demands, or dreams. Instead, “mute” them until you’re fully prepared to face them all.
Satan would prefer that you spend the first few minutes of your day thinking about E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G, rather than simply thanking God for another day. You don’t have to rush through your day. So take your time and quiet your thoughts.
“But Courtney, I’m going through a really tough time right now,” you may be saying. This time in my life is difficult.” I understand. I have faith in you. I’ve been there before.
I would still recommend rolling over first thing in the morning, thinking about your thoughts, and then talking to God before getting out of bed (or during your devotional time). Tell Him where you are and what you’re going through. Tell Him about your hurt or pain. He’s right there, ready to listen.
The key here is to practice silencing the bombardment (i.e., continuous flow of information, questions, criticisms, etc.), overwhelm, negativity, and sad, evil, or debilitating thoughts as soon as you wake up or as soon as they enter your mind. With that said, I’d like to suggest two approaches: Surrender and Shifting. Let us begin with “Surrender.”
Surrender entails completely releasing, letting go, and getting rid of something. It’s a deliberate decision. It is not always an easy decision, but it is beneficial in the long run. When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He surrendered His will for the will of the Father. Again, surrendering isn’t always easy, but it’s always the best option in the end. So, give your thoughts to God. Whatever they are, surrender them to Him because He ultimately knows what is best for you and your next best steps. According to Ecclesiastes 3:6, there is “…a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.”
Shifting means to move or make a slight change in position, direction, or tendency. Shift when negative, fearful, hurtful, overwhelming, or sinful thoughts begin to weigh on you. That is, alter your thought. Don’t give it any more thought. Throw it away. Go in the opposite direction. Shake it all off. If you are committing or contemplating a sin, shift gears (metaphorically speaking). In other words, if you’re going through a difficult time or feeling down or overwhelmed, shift and renew your mind with Scripture, pray, confess, cry out to God, and think about things that aren’t as important. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable,” Philippians 4:8 says. Consider things that are excellent and deserving of praise.”
Before I go, I’d like to share a few more Bible verses with you that I hope will encourage you as you begin to practice this method of quieting your thoughts through surrender and shifting.
Isaiah 26:4 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.” Always put your trust in the Lord.“
Don’t be concerned about anything (work, opportunities, family, personal issues, etc.) – Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t be concerned about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Tell God what you require and thank him for everything he has done. Then you will know God’s peace, which is beyond our comprehension. As you live in Christ Jesus, His peace will guard your hearts and minds.”
Financial Stress/Lack/Uncertainty – Philippians 4:19 says, “And the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Suicidal ideation/Mental Health – According to John 10:10, “the thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy.” My goal is to provide them with a rich and satisfying life.” And Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” God is close by.
Until the next time…
Remember that Jesus Christ will return soon. And those who persevere until the end will be saved. So, let us prepare from the inside out!
