Next Level Life

This is what’s real: you have the God-given ability to arrest every thought at every stage of development. You can also advance those thoughts to the next level. Just because you are aware of a subject, does not mean you have to entertain thoughts about it into the advanced stages – that’s where trouble becomes manifest.

Remember what Paul wrote to the Corinthians:

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” – 1 Corinthians 11:31

For example, you can be aware of the fact that you don’t have the money to pay your bills without having a mental breakdown. If you entertain that thought and let your mind revolve around it, it will absolutely advance into things more painful. You will panic at the endless “I should have,” “what if,” and “what about” scenarios that will crowd your mind.

I should never have bought that new phone! What if they repossess my car? What about my credit? What if they turn off my electricity? These thoughts will fill your head with strife and your body with tension. It will inevitably show up in some nasty behavior or malicious outburst, and the downward spiral has begun.

First off, when you ask “what if,” the mental picture you are conjuring up is in the future – worry – and doesn’t include Jesus. If He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever, He is there in your future, so “what if” thoughts need to be cast down!

“Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3

How do you stop before your thoughts become worries, and those worries become actions? Be aware of the thought’s potential and judge it accordingly. At the moment you become aware that a thought wants dominion over your thinking, discern whether it’s from God. If it’s not, verbally commit your thinking to Jesus. Praise and thank Him for the answers yet to come.