April 18

Thoughts vs Thinking

A study done in 2020 revealed that the average person has over 6200 thoughts per day. If the average person sleeps for 8 hours a day and spends 16 hours awake, that person will have an average of 6.5 thoughts per minute. (6.5 X 60 X 16= 6240) That’s a whole lot of thoughts. 

  1. Have you considered the following:  

    • Are thoughts the same as thinking? 

    • What kind of thoughts do you have? 

    • What do you do with your thoughts? 

    • What type of feelings or emotions do you experience when you are having thoughts? 

    First, let’s establish that thoughts are not the same as thinking. 

    Thoughts happen automatically, they pop into our brain without any real effort or desire. Thoughts are consistent in that they just show up but are often influenced by external circumstances  such as but not limited to: 

    • Rejection

    • Demotion

    • Failed marriage

    • Bad health concerns 

    • Jobs loss

    • Bad business deals

    • Negative people 

    • Uncertainty

    • Past failures

    However, what does the bible say regarding these things? “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). 

    When we don’t protect our heart, we can potentially develop psychosclerosis ( the hardening of attitude) and we can become bitter and morose.  Remain watchful! 

    The cure for psychosclerosis is enthusiasm which comes from the Greek word “entheos” which means, “ God within, full of God” 

    As you come across life’s most challenging moments, try to remember that our God who gives you joy and peace to traverse through difficult moments in life lives within. He will give you the strength to live with much enthusiasm because your trust is in Him.  

     Thinking differs in that it requires intentionality, purpose, effort, time and action. Thinking is a skill and one we should all do at some point in the day. Let truthful thinking assault your negative thoughts.

    Philippians 4: 6-8 reminds us to think of such things. 

    6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

    Think about the goodness of God and all He has done. Start your day with GRATITUDE, it makes all the difference. 

     “ Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.” 

-E. Rustrian