Change Your Information Diet

What is your information diet? What are you filling your mind with? Have you connected the inputs of your daily life to your general sense of well-being and security?

Consider: Are you glued to the negativity of the news all day? Are you surrounding yourself with scarcity-thinking, “chicken-littles” who continually tear people down and talk about all the things that are going wrong?  Do you catch yourself mumbling negative thoughts about who you are and your abilities? Is there a negative soundtrack playing in the background of your thoughts throughout your day?

If that’s all you constantly think about, then don't be too surprised if your mind gets troubled and filled with fear and anxiety.

The Apostle Paul writes…

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

That eliminates a whole lot of what's on TV. It could eliminate a number of the friends you hang around with.

You can change your information diet. For all the negative things we say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it:

You say: “It’s impossible.”
God says: “All things are possible to those who believe.” (Luke 18:27)

You say: “Nobody really loves me.”    
God says: “I love you.” (Psalm 66:20, Psalm 86:13,  John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: “I can’t go on.”    
God says: “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: “I can’t figure things out.”    
God says: “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: “I can’t do it.”
God says: “You can do all things through Christ.” (Philippians 4:13)

You say: “It’s not worth it.”
God says: “It will be worth it.” (Romans 8:28)

You say: "It's unfair! They're getting away with it."
God says: "I'll settle the score." (Romans 12:19 & 1 Peter 3:9)

You say: “I can’t forgive myself.
God says: “I forgive you.”  (1 John 1:7-9 & Romans 8:1-2)

You say: “I don’t have enough.” 
God says: “I will supply all your needs.” (Matthew 6:33 & Philippians 4:11-13, Philippians 4:19)

You say: “I’m afraid.”
God says: “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” (Psalm 56:3; John 14:27 & 2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated.”
God says: “Cast all your cares on me.” (Philippians 4:6-7 & 1 Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm a failure...my vices are too powerful for me."
God says: "I will always provide a way out." (1 Corinthians 10:13 & James 4:7)

You say: “I don’t have enough faith.” 
God says: “I’ve given everyone a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:1-3)

You say: “I’m not smart enough.”
God says: “I give you wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:30 & James 4:7 )

You say: “I feel all alone. I am not enough.” 
God says: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Learn to live a positive, grateful life by seeing yourself and your circumstances from God’s point of view.  God has given you the promises of His Word to discipline your mind with.

As you meditate on what God says about you, you’ll start to see yourself in a whole new light. You will start to see yourself as God sees you.  You will develop the incredible confidence that comes from a godly self-image.

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you…”  Philippians 4:9 (NLT)

Post a comment. Tell me how you make this practical. How do you keep thinking the right thoughts?