Thinking about times when a situation just plain gets the best of me. I get on the going in circles “reaction train” and going in circles I ride and as I do I am reacting and feeding the frenzy. A thought comes and I’m stuck on it, I dwell on it and it feeds in to something larger and larger. Reminds me of the tale of two wolves.
One day an old Cherokee man sits down with his grandson to teach him about life.
“A fight is going on inside of me,” he says to the boy. “It’s a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil – he is full of rage, jealousy, arrogance, greed, sorrow, regret, lies, laziness, and self-pity.” He continues, “The other is good – he is filled with love, joy, peace, generosity, truth, empathy, courage, humility, and faith. This same fight is going on inside the hearts of everyone, including you.”
The grandson thinks about this for a few minutes, and then asks his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replies, “The one you feed.”
I remember the first time I heard this, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was like WOW, yes indeed. The one you feed. The wiser side of me has to stop the insanity and calm the thoughts. Break the cycle and think of better things.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 (ESV)
Sometimes you just have to take captive your thoughts and direct them. This action is wise. It shows spiritual depth. Set yourself up for good thoughts. When I go to bed at night the last thing I do is pray, I feel like it’s a great time to talk to God, it sets a good tone for the rest of the night.
I think its fine to have thoughts, even negative thoughts but after you are done direct them to something better, something good. Dwell on the better things. Put yourself in a greater light. Lift those negative things up in prayer, giving them to God.
Philippians 4:8 NIV 8 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 such things.
Philippians 4:8-9 MSG 8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Lord, put is in the frame of mind to dwell on the good thoughts, the best prayers, the happy things. Create in us a positive place to go especially when we are challenged with the negative things of life. Thank You for being the “light” in this sometimes dark world. AMEN