Don’t believe everything you think.
That was a bumper sticker that caught my eye on the highway this weekend. I wished I had read that phrase earlier in the day, before I ran my half marathon as opposed to on the way home from the race.
I approached mile 10 that day and started feeling tired. My legs were fine. My lungs were fine. The only thing that was tired was my brain. Endurance running becomes more a battle of the mind than of the body. I was losing the battle of the mind. Suddenly, all I could think about was walking. And so the conversation in my head went:
“I think I should stop and walk.”
“No, only a few more miles. You can make it.”
“No, really, I just want to walk right now.”
“Why? If you keep running, you’ll be done faster.”
“But, a walk would really help. Then I can run the rest.”
“Ok, maybe walking is a good idea.”
And so, I walked. And the instant I did, I regretted it. My brain had won, and soon, my legs started to shut down. The last three miles were much more challenging and painful than they needed to be. I knew better. I’ve done this enough to know my legs would shut down. I wasn’t in any sort of pain, and I had no viable reason to slow down. But once I started thinking about walking, I couldn’t help NOT walking.
How often have I listened to the thoughts in my head and believed they were true, when really they were just lies?
You’re not beautiful.
People are just nice to your face, but really they don’t like you.
Why pray? Why would God listen to you?
You’re not worthy of love.
No one notices all this work you do.
The more we think it, the more we believe it. The Apostle Paul urges us to focus our minds on the truth.
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.
Phillipians 4:8
What are you thinking about and believing that is not true? Use Paul’s filter. Be amazed at how God will change you, even when the circumstances don’t change. We may still have to run those last few miles, but our minds need not be miserable in the process!
Amelia Rhodes lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Kedron, for 15 years. She is also mama to two young children. If she’s not writing, you’ll find her in the garden, at the sewing machine, or out running. Amelia is a contributing author to “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Here Comes the Bride.” Her first book “Isn’t it Time for a Coffee Break? Doing life together in an all-about-me world,” will release January 2013 (Barbour Publishing).
How awesome to hear these words. I struggle with my thoughts on a daily basis. Recently I began making it a point to have God’s worship music available everywhere I am, whether in my car, my craft room while working or even while surfing the web. Listening to music seems to help my mind not “think” so much and instead concentrating on the words to the songs. This seems to help me a great deal! Thanks again for letting me know… I’m not the only one who struggles with this!
Good thoughts for the day! I enjoyed it!
Roxy, you are definitely not alone! Worship music is a GREAT way to re-focus our minds on the truth of who God is and who we are in Christ!!
Valerie, thank you!
What a powerful post! Thanks for sharing with such honesty and authenticity. It’s amazing how those lies come creeping in. I’m going to write Phil 4:8 on an index card tomorrow. I appreciate your reminder of choosing Truth!
Well said, Amelia! Love this illustration – it’s so timely not only for myself, but also several women I’ve had conversations with recently. Have you heard Lisa Troyer’s song ‘What You Say’? It’s all about not listening to the enemy’s lies, but believing God’s truth.
“He woos me with lies, and he sets snares up for my soul
And I fall for them every time
Only the Truth that comes from Your heart
Can fulfill this longing of mine – every time.
The wounds of my past, and the voices of old
Overwhelm me with lingering pain
To fight for my life I will run into Your arms
Allow You to hold me once again
I’ll cling to Truth
Hold onto Love
Believe the words You say
I’ll give my heart unto Your care
And my mind is Yours to change.
I trust You’ll do just what You say
I trust You’ll do just what You say
All things are new, I feel like I have been reborn,
No longer will my mind concede
To the father of lies and the trap that he lays
Tied in tangles of deceit
Out of the shadows You bring me
With the Truth that sets me free
It’s Your love alone that rescues me
I’ll cling to Truth
Hold onto Love
Believe the words You say
I’ll give my heart unto Your care
And my mind is Yours to change.
I trust You’ll do just what You say
I trust You’ll do just what You say”
I have heard that song and i love it! Thanks for posting the lyrics here!