As you think, so you are. Your thoughts matter because they are directly related to your emotions and your actions. This is a very simple concept that can radically change your life. How does this work?

If a car pulls in front of you and you think, “That driver is a rude jerk. How dare he do that to me?” you then feel irritated and angry. You may honk your horn or tailgate and then give the driver an annoyed look.

But what if instead you thought, “That driver must be distracted. I wonder what is going on in his life. I have done that to others too,” you then feel compassion and give the driver a friendly wave.

Here is another example: if a friend or family member needs to discuss an issue with you and you think, “I don’t have time to deal with this. Doesn’t this person realize how busy I am?” you will feel irritated and you will show it by your body language and by cutting the person off when he/she begins to talk communicating that you don’t care.

But what if instead you thought, “I care about this person and what needs to be discussed. I am busy. I will give it a few minutes and if more time is needed, offer to discuss it later,” you will feel loving and show your willingness to listen.

Your thoughts directly affect your emotions which then affect your behavior. It looks like this:

THOUGHT causes FEELING which directs an ACTION.

CHANGED THOUGHT causes

CHANGED FEELING with CHANGED ACTION.   

As you think, so you are, because so you feel, and so you do. You can change your thoughts, making them more reasonable, realistic, positive, and healthy. You will get a new perspective that will include changed feelings and actions.

It isn’t necessarily what happens that matters, but what you think about it.

By Karla Downing

Relationship Devotional Prayer

 
God,

Help me to change my thoughts so that my emotions and actions will line up with what is true, right, good, helpful, and constructive.

Relationship Devotional Challenge

•  Pay attention to your thoughts.
•  Change your thoughts and watch how your emotions and actions follow.

Scripture Meditation

 
Proverbs 23:7

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (KJV).

Philippians 4:8

“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” (NIV).