Last week, we focussed on Psalm 103:1 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.” We focussed even more on one word, “all”. In case you missed it, here’s Part 1.
This week, I invite you to reflect from the perspective of the mind. Before we go any further, take a few seconds to try this mini-quiz below.
What’s common to all of the “correct” answers? These are essential components that allow the structure to function well. Each possesses intrinsic, complex mechanisms or requires delicate care and handling for these components to fulfil their purposes.
Likewise, our brain is a highly complex and fascinating organ AND requires good care and attention to function well and produces excellent outcomes (healthy thoughts, decisions...).
I was amazed to learn that, according to the laboratory of Neuroimaging, University of Southern California, an average human being has up to 48.6 thoughts per minute. This means that per day, a person could produce up to 70,000 thoughts!
Up to 70 000 thoughts a day? No wonder why I used to feel exhausted at the end of the day without even touching my exercise bike or my fitness mat!
Have you been there too? Feeling overwhelmed? It’s like running endlessly on a mental conveyer belt. Your brain can’t switch off, although you try.
I believe “all” in today’s verse includes not only our physical architecture but our random thoughts, our thinking patterns, our decisions. With the whopping 70 000 thoughts a day, it makes sense to sieve our thoughts and stop the exhausting thoughts-racing-game.
But how? How can I filter my thoughts and give glory to God? to achieve better mental health? What do I do when I feel overwhelmed by my worries or stress.
Human wisdom says: We become what we think about. And this is true. Let’s turn to the Bible to inspire and guide us further.
One of my favourite mental health advice is in Philippians 4: 8 - a pure gem. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”
My friend, when you feel drowned by a tsunami of thoughts, consider taking a step back: pause and ask yourself: is this thought true? Is it really true? Does this thought meet the Philippians 4:13 criteria? Ideally, talk about it with someone you trust, a friend, a coach, a therapist or a pastor.
For now, I invite you to pause. Write down these heavy or worrying thoughts, then go through the truth test. Finally, ask God to reveal to you His truth. By faith, receive His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the ability to think and choose. I want to praise You with my thoughts. Teach me how to sieve them and retain those which honour You and bring out the best in me for Your glory. As I grow in faith in You, help me focus on the truth that You love me. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!
I keep you in my prayers my dear sister.
Until the next time,
God bless!
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