Replacing Negative Internal Chatter with Pure Thoughts

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And if only she would stop doing that…

I wish I could change _______ about myself…

Does negative inside chatter ever turn into a mental tornado for you?

For the last three weeks, negative internal chatter has been taking a back seat as we unveil our to-think list from Phil. 4:8. Each week we’ve attempted to truly “think on these things” as the verse states. We began with thoughts of truth, followed by honorable thoughts, and then continued with just thoughts. This week we take on the next item on Paul’s to-think list: replacing negative internal chatter with pure thoughts.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil.4:8

As I read through multiple translations of this verse, I noticed that while many of the words slightly differ from translation to translation- the word “pure” is the same for every translation.

Via the English language, the word “pure” means “free from extraneous matter,” according to Dictionary.com.

In church culture today, we’ve used the word “pure” so often in regards to sexual matters, that I believe we immediately think

“Paul is telling us to clean up our thought lives from a sexual perspective.”

But honestly, when I view the definitions of pure and I focus on the original language in which the verse was written, I have to believe that sexual issues were not all that Paul outlined for us to focus on remaining pure.

Purity in our thought lives includes keeping our minds from thinking anything that shouldn’t be there.

I’ll be honest- this is a tough one for me. How can I, born a sinner, think only pure thoughts? This seems impossible!!

But I continually reflect on Psalm 119:9 that provides very clear direction about how we can remain pure in our thoughts and deeds.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

When we fix our minds on the Word of God, then negative internal chatter will dissipate, evaporate, vanish in midair. 

This is why I focus my mind on God’s Word daily through the Bible Reading Challenge.

This is why I write such posts as 7 Creative Ways to Saturate Your Life with Scripture.

God’s Word is the key to turning negative internal chatter into a disappearing act.

This week our local temps have hit the 90’s. I’m so good with that! But there’s nothing like a cold drink of water on a hot summer day. It seems that the “cool” thing to do recently is add flavor to your water.  The stores offer many types and brands of water flavoring. I suppose that’s ok. But I don’t like anything extra in my water. Not dirt, not rocks, not impurities, not even flavoring. I still enjoy my water on a simple level- pure with nothing extra added in that doesn’t belong.

Perhaps the next time you feel yourself turning into a negative internal chatter mania, you could drink a cup of cold water.

And while you’re drinking it, ask the Father in Jesus’ name to make your heart just like that water-

pure with nothing extra added in that doesn’t belong.

Have you discovered a wonderful way to keep your thoughts pure? Perhaps a verse that keeps you focused or a prayer that renews your mind? I’d love to read it in the comments below!

 

Week 1: How to Stop Negative Internal Chatter

Week 2: Replacing Negative Internal Chatter with Thoughts of Truth

Week 3: Honorable Thoughts to Replace Negative Inside Chatter

Week 4: Replacing Internal Negative Chatter with Justice

Bloggers- it’s Whimsical Wednesday!  I make it a point to share a couple of the fab posts linked up each week by tweeting, sharing and pinning. Thanks for linking up today- any encouraging post would be fantastic!