When Your Negative Thoughts Get Too Much Stage Time

“And we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Watching an elementary school play never fails to entertain its audience. The curtain opens presenting bright-eyed children whose smiles spread wide across their adorable faces. Proud parents and grandparents wave frantically hoping their child will wave back. The music begins and phones turn on to record and capture the performance.

If you’ve been to many of these plays, you know there is always one or two kids who love the spot light. They grab your attention with dramatic expressions and high energy. It’s hard to look away!

You know what else loves the spot light? Our thoughts.

I am guilty of giving my thoughts way too much stage time. There are other things on the stage of my day that want my attention – my kids, husband, house, work – but my thoughts take me captive making it difficult to focus on my blessings and priorities. For example, when the perfect storm of whining children, PMS and sleep deprivation takes center stage, I’m pretty much a lost cause. In dramatic form, I start thinking about how I’d like to sell my kids to the gypsies, how my cramps are all Eve’s fault because she just had to eat that apple. And my husband - Lord, help him.

Have you ever noticed how your thoughts lead to your words, actions and outlook on life?

Our focus verse today tells us that we are to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. What does this mean? It means that when you’re really feeling down in your calling as a mom and you feel joy has slipped away backstage, check your thoughts. What thoughts are taking center stage? Are they negative or are they based on what the Bible says? Our thoughts affect our feelings, so if we’re not thinking about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, then we are in danger of losing our joy as a mom (Philippians 4:8). The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). So if you let go of your joy, you let go of your strength.

Sweet friend, God has given you everything you need to be a strong mom who enjoys her kids. If your thoughts, words and actions have been mostly negative, ask God to forgive you. Then ask him to transform you by helping you renew your mind (Romans 12:2). God loves a humble and repentant heart. He is faithful to forgive and transform. He wants to see you not just survive, but thrive in your high calling as mom. Spend some time in God’s word today so you can better know his thoughts. When you make his thoughts your thoughts, you’re well on your way to reclaiming your joy and strength! Go be awesome today!

Anna Frye is a speaker, author, television host and founder of the Chosen and Crowned tribe. She invites moms and wives to celebrate imperfect progress fueled by the grace of a perfect God. She helps women bravely talk about the messy places of life, instead of hiding shamefully under them. She believes that lasting beauty comes when women courageously surrender their ashes to God and allow him to do something mind-blowingly amazing with them. If this resonates with you, then you belong with the Chosen and Crowned tribe. Connect at www.ChosenAndCrowned.com/blog