“For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them?” 1 Corinthians 2:11a NIV
The Loudest Thing
I’m part of a big, noisy family. We aren’t shouters, but when we’re all together, the noise is constant and loud. I love loud music and going to concerts, the theatre, and movies. The joyful, chaotic sound of kids playing makes me smile.
There is one sound, however, that often drowns everything else out. Sometimes it is so overpowering I can’t concentrate on anything else. It will be louder than the movie I’m watching, a conversation with my best friend, or even my favorite song. The funny thing is that the loudest thing in my life is something those around me don’t hear.
I am talking about my inner voice. From the time I was tiny, I developed the habit of an inner dialogue with God, and that’s how I would “talk” to Him. I still do it. And there is always, always a song running through my mind. My brain is busy!
Far too often, though, the monologue is bad. If I have a confrontation with someone that doesn’t resolve well, I am overpowered with thoughts, reliving the conversation non-stop. I, of course, think of everything I wish I would have thought to say, but beyond that, I will even create scenarios that didn’t or won’t happen.
I have a family member who isn’t making good choices, and I am sometimes amazed at how much time I’ve spent having a good inner rant. It will start as a plea to God, but before I know it I have spiraled into hopelessness, thinking mean things and even judgment toward this one whom I love so dearly. My mind is sometimes the worst space to be in.
Does anyone else struggle with this? I have written about my battle with my thought life before, so I clearly don’t have a handle on it yet. Since I know that allowing myself to have such a downward spiral in my thoughts is unhealthy, I have found that bringing to mind Philippians 4:8-9 helps: “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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me, or seen in Me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (NIV).
Will you share with us the tools you use to get your thought life in order?
Father, thank You for hearing me even when all I do is “make noise.” Please help me to honor You from my innermost being, so that every part of my life is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thanks for sharing so openly sister. Honestly, sometimes I’m glad others can’t hear my thoughts! I try to remember to take my thoughts captive, as the word says. Also of course I ask Him to forgive me for the thoughts that are not pleasing to him, are judgmental or worrisome. He is faithful to help us when we ask. So grateful for that. ❤️
Right there with you sister! I remind myself often that the Word,Word,Word is the best solution, but still I falter. Crazy how our private thoughts about/towards people can unknowingly affect how we treat them!
Amen Sister, I can so relate. In addition to those wonderful verses in Philippians, I will sometimes start singing a worship song or naming the various names of the Trinity, (ie Jehovah Shalom, Messiah, Spirit of Comfort) to reset my inner dialogue. I find I can’t praise God and replay my junk at the same time!
Oh how I do relate. I too was raised in a very large family. Everyone talked over one another. If someone was passionate about what was being said, it came out even louder. I have often been accused of yelling, when making a statement, (not in anger) but in truth. I have been working on this for year’s.
I’m in the habit of praying
( Ephesians 6:10-20 ) several times a day. I especially put on my armor, on my drive towards my family members.
( James 1:26 ) Reminds me of how I don’t want my words to deceive me.
God told me years ago that change starts with me. I know I am incapable of doing this, without God’s will in it, strengthening me in my weakness.
( Philippines 4:13 ) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
( 2 Corinthians 12:10 ) For when I am weak, then I am strong.
( James 3:1- 12 ) is about taming the tongue. This small part of our body can corrupt the whole body. Leaving destruction, and regret in its path, that is hard to repair.
( Psalm 39:1 ) Watch my ways, keep my tongue from sin, muzzle my mouth. ???
None of which is easy, but I’m in constant practice, and it seems to be getting easier through the years. Only through pray, and continuous practice in my faith, can I heal from a lifetime of deeply embedded generational bondage. I trust in God’s mighty love that can conquer all things. Walk in LOVE. I remind myself that I love these people, and hate the enemy who’s trying to separate and divide.
(Luke 10:19) Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Praise God Amen 🙏 🙌
Soooo me, too!! My mind never shuts up and it drives me nuts at times…..so much noise. Thank you for sharing. I love the verse you shared and have decided I will memorize it and try to recite it every time I catch myself ranting.