TIME TO CLEAN IT OUT!
Imagine this: You are making yourself a warm, comforting cup of tea. The steam rises, the aroma is perfect, and you take that first soothing sip. Only for someone to come along and put vinegar into your teacup. Suddenly, the whole thing is ruined.
This is exactly what happens when we allow other people’s negative words and opinions to take up space in our minds. Maybe it is a harsh comment from years ago, and old criticism that still stings, or self-doubt that creeps in because of what others have said. Even when these people are long gone, their words can linger, poisoning our thoughts.
But here is the truth: YOUR MIND IS YOURS! Just as you decide what goes into your tea, you have the power to decide which voices get space in your thoughts.
WHO IS LIVING RENT-FREE IN YOUR MIND?
Negative words and memories can be like unwanted tenants, hey move in without permission and refuse to leave. They whisper: ” You are not good enough” or “You will never be successful.” But those voices are not truth.
As children of God, we are called to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
If our minds are filled with negativity fear and doubt, there is less room for God’s truth. It is like a teacup, you cannot pour fresh, pure tea into a cup that is still full of old bitter leftovers.
THREE STEPS TO CLEAR OUT YOUR “THOUGHT CUP”
- Recognise the Bitter flavours
What negative thoughts are still taking up space? Is it an old criticism, a fear you cannot shake, or a mistake you have not forgiven yourself for? Identify what is poisoning your thoughts.
2. Pour out the Bitter tea
We cannot make room for new thoughts if we keep replaying the toxic ones. Pray about it. Speak truth over yourself. Say ” I am God’s masterpiece.” (Ephesians2:10) and “I am a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
3. Fill Your Cup with Good Things
Philippians 4:8 reminds us to focus on whatever is true, honorable and lovely. Listen to God’s voice above the worlds. Spend time in His Word, surround yourself with uplifting people and choose thoughts that bring peace and not poison. And if that does not work hum your favourite Worship song, it is proven that if you hum you cannot think.
No one else gets to decide who takes up space in your mind. If a thought or memory steals your peace, diminishes your worth, or makes you doubt God’s plan, then it does not belong.
Clear out the bitterness so there is room for joy, love and God’s truth. You were created with a greater purpose, and it is time to live it, free form the weight of others’ opinions.
Maybe today is the day you finally tell those unwanted tenants: ” Sorry no more free rent!”