I heard recently that some experts say we are not responsible for our thoughts because we can’t control what comes into our heads. While I agree that that is true of fleeting thoughts; it is not true of thoughts we allow to linger. Those can cause definite harm to our thinking. Out of those can cause jealousy, envy, rage, et cetera. How do we counteract those disturbing thoughts? By actively thinking about positive things. Bible verses that you have memorized can really help at times like these, and prayer of course.
There are many Bible verses that can help us corral our thoughts:
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
And my favorite:
“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 those things.” Philipians 4:8
If our focus is on the positive, those fleeting thoughts have nowhere to take hold and poison our thinking. The Holy Spirit will help us in our struggle to keep our thoughts pure.