_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD_
_Monday, August 31st 2026_
*YOU’RE NOT SUBJECT TO YOUR THOUGHTS*
_Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God_ *(Philippians 4:6)*
In the Christian life, you must learn to manage your thoughts. You must know what to do with the thoughts that come to your mind every day. Your victory or defeat often begins with the thoughts you choose to dwell on. That’s why the Spirit gives this instruction: *“be careful for nothing.”*
The word *“careful”* is translated from the Greek *"merimnaō"*, which means to take thought. It’s the same word the Lord Jesus used in Matthew 6:25 when He said, *“… Take no thought for your life….”* It tells you something very important—you don’t have to accept every thought that comes to you.
Thoughts come constantly. Even now, your mind is active. There’s a barrage of thoughts coming from different directions. It could be about your work, your family, something you heard, something you saw, etc. But you don’t have to *“take”* them. The moment you *“take”* a thought, you centre your mind on it. You begin to dwell on it, and as you do, it starts shaping your emotions and influencing your actions.
The wrong thoughts are distractions. They’re designed to pull your attention away, to create concern, anxiety, or unrest. That’s why the Word shows you the kind of thoughts to accept: *“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”* (Philippians 4:8).
Don’t entertain troubling thoughts. Don’t ruminate on them or convert them into prayer points. Remember, you’re not subject to your thoughts; you’re the one who decides what thoughts to allow. It’s the reason for the renewing of the mind: *“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”* (Romans 12:2).
When your mind is stayed on, and renewed by the Word, it becomes sanctified to decipher and dwell only on the right thoughts. And when your thoughts are right, your words will be right, your life will be right, excellent and full of glory.
*PRAYER*
_Dear Father, I thank you for the discipline of the Spirit that works in me. I refuse to entertain wrong thoughts but rather align my mind with your Word. I respond to every situation with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, and I walk in peace and victory always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._
*FURTHER STUDY:*
*Matthew 6:25-26* Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? *26* Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
*Isaiah 26:3* Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
*Philippians 4:8 AMPC* For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
*1 Year Bible Reading Plan :* 1 Corinthians 15:1-34 & Proverbs 5-7
*2 Year Bible Reading Plan :* 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9 & Jeremiah 17
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