According to the book of Proverbs, the thoughts that we think are extremely powerful.

When we think our thoughts, they often turn into words, attitudes, and actions.

It is difficult — if not impossible — to have a positive life with a negative mindset.

People who have a habit of constantly complaining about the negative aspects of life spend most of their time fault-finding in each situation, overlooking the positive parts of life. Those are not joyful people. Because of their narrow vision, they are unable to see God working in their lives. The critical filter they see life through makes it difficult to live a fulfilling abundant life in Christ.

It has been said by many that Philippians is the happiest book of the Bible. Isn’t it interesting that Paul, the author, wrote about the joy of the Christian life while he was sitting in jail?

In Paul’s time, incarceration was a frightening place to be. According to Christian author Derrick G. Jeter, inmates often went without food and water and depended on visitors to supply those needs. Those places were known to be unclean, leaving inmates to live in the stench and filth of deplorable conditions.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Paul embraced his circumstance. He accepted his dire situation and gave thanks and praise to God. Paul could have chosen a vastly different attitude. He could have acted out in anger and turned his back on God. However, he chose to think godly thoughts and act in a way that was in line with God’s perfect will. Paul took captive his thoughts and made them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

We can learn from Paul’s example.

He chose to think righteous thoughts even throughout this distressing circumstance. Paul’s thoughts led to the words he spoke, which developed into his actions, demonstrating a right, positive attitude.

Had Paul responded differently and chose to let his feelings dictate his actions, he may well have surrendered to the enemy, rather than standing strong.

The Bible promises that each of us will encounter difficult situations in life. The good news is that we get to decide how to deal with those challenges.

Are we going to take captive our thoughts and ensure they align with God’s Word during our struggles, and be thankful that He is our sovereign Father, as Paul did, or are we going to foster defeatist thinking by giving up, going our own way, and leaving God by the wayside?

Our thoughts don’t have to be an automatic response caused by our current circumstances.

Be deliberate in your thinking.

The more time spent thinking a thought or idea (sinful and otherwise), the more likely our words and our behavior will follow that thought.

So be careful what you allow yourself to spend time thinking about.

The Rev. Amy Will is a licensed clinical pastoral counselor and owner of Abundant Life Christian Guidance. She can be reached at 989-590-7449.