Well, tomorrow is a big day for me. I am taking my family to Six Flags amusement park. I am excited especially about this trip because I am also taking the young man that I have had the privilege of mentoring this year at Stockbridge Middle School. This young man and I talked about this trip when he was in school and I could see his eyes light up with excitement. As we talked about the different rides, he would stop as if something was wrong and I would ask him, “Is something wrong?” He would say, “I just got a funny feel in my stomach just thinking about riding the Goliath.” So, I will take my Tylenol and my Dramamine and have a great time.
Do you remember what it was like to daydream like the young man I just told you about? And your body actually starts to react? I remember being in elementary school and daydreaming about riding motorcycles. I could just feel the wind hitting my face as I rode the brand new Honda motorcycle model XR80 in my mind. My eyes would water because of that wind. It is amazing how when you start to really thing about something your body begins to react.
Here is a test to prove to you what you think about, affects your body. Imagine going to the grocery store. You make your way down to the produce aisle and you see a bright yellow lemon. For whatever reason, you decide to take a big bite. Notice your mouth has more liquid in it because what you just pictured? It causes your brain to put your saliva glands to work.
Most of us are stressed out because we continually picture something bad happening to us or our family. When you do, your body begins to react. Your adrenal glands start to pump, your blood pressure goes up and puts your body in the “state of alert” until you are filled with worry and fear.
God has a solution. Keep your thoughts on him. When you see your future, instead of seeing it worst case scenario, see it with God intervening. Start thinking about how wonderful that new job is going to be that God has for you. How your marriage is going to be with God’s help. Most of us bring trouble on ourselves because that’s all we think about and that is called worry. If you want your life to be better you have to think better thoughts. So here is God’s solution.
Isaiah 26:3 (Living) He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!
Philippians 4:8 (Living) Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.
