I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

~Philippians 4:13 CSB

What are you thinking? I thought as my eight-year-old son hung his head and said, “I can’t do anything. I always mess up.” 

The Thinking Problem

The grandmother in me rushed to encourage him. “That’s not right. You can do lots of things.” I looked into his eyes. “The first thing you must do is drop that negative attitude and remember who your Father is.”

His eyes told me he was unconvinced. I sighed. Some lessons need to marinate.

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

~Psalm 121:2 CSB

Who was I to teach him? Wait. I automatically went into my own belittling attitude. It’s a hard habit to break. My life is filled with instances of self-discouragement. Talking myself out of trying to do something because of a defeated attitude is too often my default mode. I give up before I get up.

My grandson and I both need to train our minds to think first about where our help comes from. Help from the maker of all things is powerful help. We are not alone.

So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.

~Galatians 4:7 CSB

The Thinking Solution

Also, we need to remember whose we are. To be an heir of the God of all is quite the inheritance. My identity is in Him. God has made us in His image. The Holy Spirit abides within me, empowering me to live a life more like Christ each day. If I mess up, He forgives and guides me to a better way if I listen and learn. The One who made me an heir wants me to succeed and live an abundant life. My part is to live for Him, not for myself.

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy, dwell on these things.

~Philippians 4:8 CSB

Finally, He gives us a list of things to think about to get our minds off ourselves. A mind dwelling on self is an earth-bound mind. Think on things above. When the perspective is heavenly, the mind is filled with gratitude and not selfishness. Look up.

Whenever the “I can’t” tries to assert itself, stop, pray, and recite scripture. You will be amazed at how quickly it transforms into “You can through Me.”  

Lord, thank You for Your love that holds me up and works through me to touch the world with Your Spirit. You bless me beyond description. May I remember to look up first and allow You to work through an obedient heart. Amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: What Are You Thinking: Sharon Davis: All Rights Reserved.