Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Did you ever hear the old saying about fish and houseguests?  Both should be thrown out after three days.

In all seriousness, there are some things that we really need to get rid of. They’re not in our homes, but in our heads!  I’m talking about some of our thoughts. Our thought patterns determine our behavior and often, make us miserable. The Bible has a lot to say about the way we think.  For the follower of Jesus, much of what we ruminate on day and night comes from our old, sinful tendencies.  There’s a process of learning to live in the new reality of truth that we learn from Jesus. Even if you have a knowledge of scripture, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you think the way Jesus thinks.

One type of thoughts that don’t come from God are anxious thoughts.  We’re told in scripture not to worry about anything (Philippians 4:4-7)—and maybe you’ve already heard that.  But did you realize that this “do not worry” verse directly follows a verse about the joy and nearness of God?  Anxious thoughts are quenched by remembering the nearness and goodness of God and then by telling Him what I need.

What’s rolling around in your mind today?  The economy?  A recent tragedy? The last thing you mindlessly scrolled through on social media? “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,” Romans says, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).  A prayer for transformation of your mind is a prayer God will answer.