I have this same problem. I think it's common. It's very difficult to keep those peaceful thoughts and keep my focus on God and what He would have me do and not turn to the 'flesh'. God is so faithful to forgive, however, and He's always there to help. Praise the Lord
So true, it is a common problem. And it is difficult at times. But the battlefield begins in the mind, and we are well advised by scripture to think about what we think about. As I've discussed on other threads, we've been reading Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer in Bible study at church, and while I don't always agree with everything Joyce teaches, she's right on target with scripture about controlling our thoughts. Mark 4:24 tells us why we should think about what we think about.
Mark 4:24 (AMP) And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you--and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
I really believe that it is more difficult in the long run to give in to our minds. When we are born again, we've given a new heart and a new spirit. But we are told to "renew our minds."
Romans 12:2 (AMP) Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
I've actually started changing some of my thought patterns (and I can tell the Holy Spirit is helping me, but oh is my flesh crying out at times), by constant prayer for the Holy Spirit to guide and guard my thoughts, and by turning to scriptures about renewing our minds. And there is sweet peace more and more of the time, especially when God shows me little bits of wrong thinking that I've overcome (thru Jesus of course, for it's not my nature, believe me). After all, we are overcomers thru Him, aren't we?
I hope this is helpful, and would like to close with one of David's psalms where he describes this how he overcame a similar problem with his mind. Please feel free to contact me, if I've not been clear, and count it for joy that you've recognized this hurdle, for this is exactly how we grow in Christ!
Psalms 143:3-10 (AMP)
3 For the enemy has pursued and persecuted my soul, he has crushed my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in dark places as those who have been long dead.
4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me [wrapped in gloom]; my heart within my bosom grows numb.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands.
6 I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
7 Answer me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit (the grave).
8 Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to You to hide me. 10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.
David identifies the problem (the enemy stealing life and light), remembers the good times, praises the Lord in the midst of it, and asks for God's help (actually demands it, lol, speedily please!)
Be positive, see the presence of God in your positive outlook and savor Him, for He is good. It shall be done for you as you have believed. (Matt 8:13) For as a person thinks in his heart, so is he . . . (Prov. 23:7)
Your sister in Christ,
EarthMomma
