Ever had a day when your mind was riddled with random toxic thoughts – thoughts that emotionally exhaust you and rob you of joy and peace?  I think we’ve all had days where we sadly remain bogged down by destructive thoughts rather than be encouraged and empowered by the truths found in God’s Word.   

Proverbs 23:7 unveils the importance of our thought life: as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he,” and Philippians 4:8 commands that “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

So, on the days, weeks, and moments when our thoughts are just overwhelming, here’s a comforting reminder for all of us – we’re never alone!  In those very real and painful moments, our loving Lord is right there waiting to help us live out His grace – one thought at a time!   

God does not desire that we struggle repeatedly with destructive thoughts, but rather that we “cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5).”  

Thoughts of anger, lying, deceit, depression, discontentment, comparison, pride, guilt, shame, lust, gossip, negativity, and attitude may start to creep in, but with His help, we can cast out those toxic thoughts as soon as we see them coming so that they have no time to settle into our minds and take up residence.  

How wonderful to know that at any moment we have weapons of warfare at our disposal – God’s Word (James 4:7, Isaiah 26:3, II Tim 1:7), prayer, and the Holy Spirit!  In our moments of real struggle, God has already provided ways that we can find guidance, comfort, peace, and rest.  We’re truly never alone.      

When we choose to live out God’s grace one thought at a time, we’ll be transformed into the person God want us to be (Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:22,23).  Living out God’s grace is an intentional process, and our heavenly Father is with us every step of the way, strengthening, encouraging, loving, and forgiving as we endeavor to live out His grace.

He is truly our portion and strength (Psalm 73:26).