students of jesus

We think without thinking about it. Trust me: it’s science. Or more accurately, our thoughts follow well-worn pathways, like the same route we take as we drive to work every morning. Have you ever put your car in park as you get to work and realize, I don’t remember anything from this commute. You did it automatically.

It’s an amazing fact—if we think the same thoughts often enough, those thoughts become automatic. You can find deep ruts on a dirt road, and you can find them in your brain, too. Try Googling “Develop New Habits.” You’ll find everything from scientific research to pop-psych self-help “seven steps to new thinking.”

Of course, the Creator knew this from the beginning. The seesaw tilts both ways: our actions affect our moods, and our moods affect effect our actions. Check out the conversation where Yahweh pleads to Cain to reconsider his envious, murderous thoughts, or listen to the Apostle remind us that our mind can be renewed.

Ask Yourself: Is it possible that I’ve trained myself to think predictable thoughts? And if I admit that possibility, doesn’t it mean change is also possible?

Live Into It: One simple act can start the transformation. You could take yesterday’s suggestions, or you could take a completely different approach. The key is intentionality. If we combine God’s will (that we should be thankful) with the hope of deep change, the sky itself is not the limit—only the joy of heaven.