I’ve always had an affection for horses. A few years ago, I finally signed up for horseback riding lessons. The instructor patiently explained the purpose of each piece of equipment to this city girl, including how to use the bridle, saddle, stirrups, and reins. I was especially interested in the reins. I’ll admit to a few fears of the horse running off with me bouncing on top of him like a sack of potatoes!
Have you ever had your thoughts run away with you? Once we get started with worry, fear, or anxiety, it’s difficult to think of anything else. In my last post, Who’s Afraid of Monsters, I talked about how to help our children face and conquer their fears.

Today, let’s talk about what the Bible says about controlling all our thoughts – not just fearful ones, but any negative thoughts such as bitterness, unforgiveness, and anger.

Have you ever confronted your child or grandchild about a particular attitude or behavior, only to have them tell you, “I can’t help it!”? Kids aren’t the only ones who use that excuse. If we’re honest, we’ve probably said (or thought) the same thing on many occasions, especially about our thought life.

The Bible tells us we can help it. Here’s how:

We have the ability
Actually, we don’t have the ability to control our thoughts, but we are given the ability by the power of the Holy Spirit. Philippians 4:13 (NKJ) tells us “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

We have the command
Taking control of our thoughts is not optional for the Christian. The apostle Paul wrote, “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5 NIV). It’s not a question, it’s a statement.

We have the method
I love how the Bible never commands us to do something without giving us the method to do it. In Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV), Paul wrote,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.”

The steps are spelled out in those verses.

1. Don’t be anxious – instead, tell God what’s disturbing you.
2. As you give Him your worries, His peace will stand guard over your heart and mind.

All too often, we stop after these two steps, and we wonder why the negative thoughts come flooding back. The key is found in the third step:

3. Replace the negative thoughts with godly thoughts.
It could be something as simple as singing praise songs to God. Or taking a sheet of paper and writing down one attribute of God for each letter of the alphabet. Or listing 100 of the top things for which you’re thankful.

Let’s not forget the final step:
4. Practice, practice, practice!
In order to replace habitual thoughts of worry, anger, or unforgiveness, we need to develop new habits, and that takes practice.

With a combination of discipline and dependence on the Holy Spirit, you and I – and our children and grandchildren – can rein in those runaway thoughts once and for all!