Thought Control: Be Aggressive In Policing Your Mind!

[Rita Hancock]

At any given time, you have the potential to undergo beneficial changes in your thoughts, choices, and habits. You can make choices that move you in a positive direction, toward God and health or in a negative direction, away from God and toward poor health.

However, if you don’t actively discipline yourself to make wise choices, you might, by default, make foolish choices. If you don’t intentionally identify what is negative in your life and then reject it, you may, by default, continue to allow it. You have to take a pro-active, aggressive stance if you want to control your thoughts.

Passivity (lack of movement and decision) is not a wise approach. You’re either with God or you’re against God, according to Jesus. If you aren’t constantly on the defense, moving, watching, and guarding yourself against the prowling lion (the devil), you’re constantly on the verge of falling prey to the lion. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Tim 1:7).

In terms of weight control, you must actively guard your thoughts, not passively let your thoughts wander. Be on the defensive. For example, if anxiety drives you to eat, actively and aggressively (in your mind) grab the anxiety by the throat and say, “NO! I refuse to let you control me.” Then quote Scripture, e.g. Phil 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

[Foster]

Thanks! Just what I needed!

[Carol Kiser]

How freeing.....to know that we are 'at choice' with even the food decisions in our life.  So many times I've played the victim, allowing myself to drift away from God.  That is exactly the way it feels, too.  When I am stuffed with food, my mind is filled with guilt and putting myself down.  These voices are so loud that I cannot hear the small voice in the deepest part of my mind that is God.  

At any given time I have the potential to change my thoughts.  That is a tall order, but one I am going to undertake in my journaling.  I will literally get to the 'bottom' of what is eating me.

Many thanks, Dr. Rita.

God's peace,

Carol

[Keisha Cappel]

Amen! I just started with this book and support group. I struggle with self control and this is just what I needed to hear today. Thanks.

[Rita Hancock]

You guys are going to LOVE my next book. I take you step-by-step toward learning (from God) about what is actually eating YOU and driving you to want to eat food you don't actually need. I wish I could speed things up, though! The book is supposed to come out in January.

[Foster]

I look forward to it!