| Philippians 4:8-9 – “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of praise, think about these things.” |
Any way we look at or read the topic, we pretty much are thinking about Something ALL the time! Thoughts are influenced by our own agendas, experiences, and now media sources. It is often difficult for us to maintain positive or hopeful thinking throughout the week, or even the day. It is no surprise that depression is on the rise and that characteristics of depression include ‘distorted thinking’.
Cognitive Therapy utilizes helping the client learn skills to help change distorted and negative thinking to more positive thoughts. God already provides the same skill set in Philippians 4:8-9 “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of praise, think about these things.” Thinking about the traits of God or Jesus fit every one of these criteria if it looks too hard to find a subject when you first read this!
Further, God has clearly told us in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” So, turning our thoughts toward Him and His power more and more often throughout the day can help our thinking to become more positive and less burdensome.
-Diana Boone
