Control Those Thoughts!

In the story, A Bucket Full of Weeds, Jennifer needed to “stop and think.” Often, when we are excited or angry, our thoughts seem to jump around like a frisky puppy. Puppies are fun—but if you don’t watch out, they will chew on things or run off like Maggie did. And that is just what our thoughts will do if we don’t make them behave.

How can you make thoughts behave? First, you must pay attention to them! When you have work to do, do you start thinking “I’m busy!” or “That’s someone else’s job!”? Watch out! Your thoughts are trying to escape! It is time to make a choice: Will you pull for your own way, or quickly obey? Make your thoughts behave before they have a chance to escape. Say: “Stop! If you will be a cheerful helper, soon your work will be done!”

Sometimes thoughts run off when you aren’t paying attention. All of a sudden a little lazy thought is yelping, “I hate work and I won’t do it!” Or maybe a little huffy thought runs off barking, “I’m not listening to you!” If you don’t catch that thought and make it obey, it will get you into lots of trouble. When you are young, Mom and Dad might have to discipline you so that your thoughts can settle down again.

Part of growing up is learning to make your own thoughts behave. But how do you catch a thought that is running wild? It is time to get help! Do you know the expert “Thought Controller”? Jesus knows just how to capture naughty thoughts and make them obey. If your parents pray with you when they correct you, you are learning the secret of having obedient thoughts. Ask for God’s help right away when you are feeling angry or upset. He’s always glad to help!

Well-behaved puppies don’t bite or run away. What do well-behaved thoughts act like? The Bible says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”* (Philippians 2:5) How did Jesus think? With an attitude to serve others, trusting and obeying God. Do you want your thoughts to be full of kindness and trust? Ask Jesus to be your “Mind Controller” and bring every thought to Him. The Bible says, “bring into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ.”* (2 Corinthians 10:5) Every fear or worry, idea or temptation will have to behave when Jesus is in charge. Then you will have a happy, peaceful mind!