During our series of sermons, Mind Monsters, we want to provide you with resources to help you begin to change how you think about what you think. Click in the drop down menu to view each resource an check back each week as we add more resources to this page.
Thought Journal
Journaling is a safe way to explore your experiences and helps you to let go of anxieties and negative thoughts. If you have recently experienced an unpleasant event or situation, it can help to write down how you experienced it and how you can deal with it next time. Remember,
When we don’t like how we’re behaving,
we need to think about what we’re thinking.
What does your thought pattern sound like? We constantly have words floating through our minds, some are positive and helpful and others are not. It is important that we pay attention to our thoughts and the mental monologue that impacts our decision making.
Examples:
- “What a stupid thing to say!” (Imaginary palm to the forehead)
- “Did she just ignore me?” (Anger, followed by a fearful feeling that I am easily forgotten)
- “That’s a good idea for a Instagram post…or maybe it’s just dumb.” (Internal debate)
- “I’d like to ________, but I don’t know if I can pull it off.” (Who do I think I am?)
We all need a mental refresher and we hope this thought journal will help you daily be aware of your thoughts and the power of God’s word to help you renew your mind.
Before you start answering the questions below, take a moment to talk to God about the struggles that you are facing. Ask Him to guide you as you begin the process of renewing your mind and placing your life in His hands.
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
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 12:1-2
Prayer:
God, direct my thoughts through this exercise and teach me to think like you.
NAME THE EVENT:
What happened? Be as specific and objective as possible; describe the facts you remember.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
EVALUATE:
1. Your thoughts
When this event happened what was I thinking about? The dialogue in your head (ideas, fantasies, prejudices, values)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Your feelings
How did you feel emotionally? Feelings can also be physical (scared, angry, sad, happy) What emotions am I holding onto in this moment? What triggered this feeling?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Your behaviors
How did you react and how did this reaction affect you? How did this reaction affect others? What were the consequences of this behavior?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ACT:
Now that you have reflected on the event – your thoughts, feelings and behaviors – take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to help you become aware of His truths and separate yourself from the self-focused, self-defeating thoughts that hinder your mind.
1. Ask God: Is this thought true?
2. What do you believe God might be saying to you about that thought?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What can I think about that will speak life into my situations with myself and others?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
You are not alone. Wellspring wants to partner with you. If you need additional help, click the link below.
