Thoughts rush through my mind. There is a term for thinking – about thinking. That term is ‘Meta Cognition’.

Saying that I’m engaged in that kind of activity seems so much more productive than just sitting here ‘spinning my wheels’.

So, let’s get Meta!

Our thoughts are incredibly powerful in shaping our lives. In fact, Proverbs 23:7 explains …”for as he thinks in his heart, so is he.’ Now that’s power!

Our thoughts are worthy of our attention – which may be easily claimed by the chaos that seems to envelop us. If we direct our focus to the headlines, we may find painful uncertainty.

• The pandemic is still a very real threat.
• We have economic upheaval. We might worry about how we’re going to pay for all of the emergency steps with stimulus spending and government aid.
• We could worry about inflation, deflation, and crypto-currencies.
• We might be overwrought by injustices and tragedies that seem to clog our daily news.

Any or all of these could push us toward a free-fall of anxiety. We don’t have to surrender to it.

Our thoughts have power – and we are capable of directing our attention to them. We can take deliberate steps to direct our thoughts, and in doing so – we can change what we think in our hearts, to have an impact on what is.

 When we recognize a fearful or anxious thought – we can immediately focus on thoughts that sustain, calm, and strengthen us. Scripture offers an ever-ready resource. For example: Psalm 34:18 says: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

It takes some effort and some discipline – but this investment pays off in healing and in hope. We can also use scripture as preventive medicine by reflecting on the promises we have been given.

Thanksgiving can also powerfully direct our thoughts. No matter what’s happening in the moment – can we find any good things in our lives to be thankful for?

I believe we can. Spending a few minutes to review my blessings is an exercise that boosts my mental health – and happiness.

James 1:17 tells us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning”.

As I review my list– I can recall blessings of my physical surroundings, my work or other support and activity, the people and the loves in my life, and so on.

IF I should run out of positive things to be thankful for – then I can think of negative things I can be thankful are NOT currently in my life… (A quick view of news headlines will serve up a load of these).

Each anxious thought – re-directed to positive – casts that ‘light from above’ to help lift the darkness of mood or circumstance. Some days seem to roll on without too much hardship.  Other days might be brutal.  Every day is worthy of the effort that this kind of mindset requires.

Worry and Worship can’t occupy the same space in our minds and hearts – at the same time. We do have some control, even when we feel that we don’t.

These are thoughts I wanted to share with you today. Happy ‘Meta’ day .

Blessings, Love, and Laughter

Margaret

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