Wright - A better way to think : using positive thoughts to change your life

2011 by H. Norman Wright

Published by Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.revellbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2011

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-3794-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Scripture quotations labeled AMP are from the Amplified Bible, copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2007

Scripture quotations labeled KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations labeled Message are from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org

Scripture quotations labeled NCV are from the New Century Version. Copyright 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations labeled NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled TLB are from The Living Bible , copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

To protect the privacy of those who have shared their stories with the author, names and details have been changed.

Contents

Introduction

I ve met only a few people in my life who dont want to change. Most really do. They can envision the progress they want to make. Their intentions are good.

But theres one nagging reason that keeps many of us from moving ahead in life. Its our thoughts: those seemingly insignificant sentences that pass through the mind, greatly influencing everything we say and do. From our thoughts, we hear messages that can propel us toward great accomplishments and positive change... or drag us into a negative spiral.

Do you struggle with your own thoughts? Thoughts of worry, insecurity, frustration, and even anger? I do. We all do.

For many of us, the thoughts that continually run through our mind are more adversary than ally. Left unchecked, our thought life can become our own worst enemy, poisoning us from within. And its our choice.

Surprisingly, many of us dont see the relationship between our thoughts, our feelings, and the words that flow from our mouth. For so many of the individuals and couples Ive counseled, their difficulties can be traced back to one root problemthe ideas they repeat to themselves, their self-talk.

Yes, its true we all talk to ourselves. I do. You do too.

We all carry on conversations with ourselves. And its really okay. Its not a sign were going over the edge.

Sometimes, were simply rehearsing conversations. At other times, were letting our imagination gallop along unrestrained, building tension and anxiety by worrying about possibilities that may never occur, and might not even be reasonable to consider, but telling ourselves that danger looms. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. What we tell ourselves, we can make come trueeven if its something wed desperately rather avoid.

Truth be told, most of us have a bent toward negative or toxic thinking. And for some of us, the mind is a downright dangerous place, a battlefield fraught with land mines and hidden enemies poised for ambush. Our self-talk is attacking us from within.

It doesnt have to be that way.

You can change your thoughts. I can teach you. And when you learn to control your self-talk, youll be on your way to changing your life and improving your relationships. Its possible. Really. The practical, simple steps youll find in this book will make a difference. Whats more, youll build a foundation for new thinking based on the Word of God. Get readyyoure on your way to the ultimate mental makeover.

As you work through this book, I pray youll develop a new pattern of thinking, one that is balanced and realistic. My hope is that youll discover how to make peace with your mind, allowing you to make the most of all God has for you.

H. Norman Wright

My Mind Is Filled with Thoughts!

N o matter what the weather, Melanie radiates sunshine. At the grocery store, she makes friendly small talk with the cashier. When working in the yard, she always raises her eyes at the sound of an approaching car and waves, flashing a bright smile as neighbors drive by. Sure, she has bad days now and then. But she bounces back quickly after unpleasant events or periods of stress. Nothing seems to keep her down for long.

Its no act. Melanie really does see a blessing in almost everything. When she gets stuck in a traffic snarl that might leave others seething, she tells herself its simply an opportunity to have some uninterrupted prayer time. If she burns dinner, she tells herself that she was due for a fun night out at a favorite eatery. Rained-out picnic plans cause her to announce that its the perfect opportunity to gather the family around the TV for a cozy afternoon watching a movie and munching popcorn.

When a problem erupts in her life, her mind spins into solution-finding mode. Shes not prone to worry. Things are probably better than they seem, she often tells herself. And usually, shes right.

Things always seem to work out for Melanie. So why cant my life go like that? Rhonda often wonders. The two have known each other since elementary school and have attended the same church ever since, serving together in countless ministries since they were teens.

She always has energy, and never even gets sick! muses Rhonda. And Im always battling allergies, fatigue, or a cold.

The truth is, Rhonda has always found Melanies can-do spirit a little annoying. Actually, really annoying. No one can be that happy, Rhonda pouts on days when the two serve coffee together at church.

Rhonda has a comfortable lifeher husband makes a far bigger salary than Melanies, and she doesnt have any real problems. Still, she feels gloomy a lot. And, she admits to her husband from time to time, she probably spends more time than she should fretting about imagined problems that never materialize.

But I cant help it, she tells herself.

Shes tried the whole dont worry until you really have something to worry about approach. But that just seems so irresponsible.