Editor’s note: Yesterday, we shared two devotions from Max Lucado’s new devotional for kids, Calm Thoughts for Kids. You can read them here and then continue reading below!
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Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. — Philippians 4:8
Everything you do and say starts with a thought. So if you want to be a good person, start by thinking good thoughts. And if you want to be a person who loves God — and shows the world how much you love God — then think thoughts God would love.
It’s not enough to keep out the bad thoughts. You’ve got to pour good thoughts in.
The Bible tells us exactly what those kinds of thoughts are. They’re the things that are “true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” Those are the things to think about.
Things like how God forgives you. Like all the good things He has given to you. Like how much kindness He pours into your life. Because it’s not just a little sprinkle now and then. He has plopped you into a whole ocean of His kindness. Let that kindness change you. And let it change the way you think about — and treat — the people around you.
Stop and Think
Does it ever feel like it’s easier to remember the bad stuff than the good stuff? We all struggle with that. When your thoughts get stuck on the bad stuff — whether it’s a bad memory, a worry, or a fear — stop and think of three good things.
Talk About It Together
What were three of your best thoughts today?
God’s Promise to Me
Instead of worrying, I can choose to think about all the wonderful things God has done.
My Prayer
Lord, when sad and bad thoughts fill my mind, please chase them away. And fill me up with good thoughts of You.
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What Thoughts Are You Thinking?
Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. — Proverbs 4:23
If someone knocks on the front door of your house, do you let them in without even checking to see who it is? Of course not! You peek out the window to see who it is. You check with your parents. You don’t let just anybody come in and hang out in your home. That would be dangerous!
You need to be just as careful with the thoughts you think. All kinds of thoughts will come knocking on the door of your mind. They’d love to get in and make you think about them. But not every thought is worth thinking about.
- You get to choose which ones you let in and which ones you kick out.
When a thought comes knocking, take a peek at it and ask yourself, Is this a good thought? Is it helpful and kind? Would Jesus be happy that I’m thinking about this? If the answer is no, slam the door in its face!
After you tell those lousy thoughts to get lost, choose good thoughts to think about instead. Like counting all the good things in your life, thinking of ways to cheer others on, or creating your own song of praise to God. Those are all thoughts guaranteed to make Jesus smile. He’ll be happy you’ve welcomed them in!
Roping Runaway Thoughts
You get to choose the thoughts that you think. The Bible says to “capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Imagine a cowboy roping a runaway horse and guiding it back to the barn.
But some thoughts are harder to round up than others, so Jesus is always ready to help you (Philippians 4:13).
Talk About It Together
Name a thought that you need to get rid of today. And then name a good thought to replace it.
God’s Promise to Me
God will help me replace my worried and fearful thoughts with thoughts of His goodness.
My Prayer
God, sometimes thoughts pop into my mind that I don’t want to think. Help me kick them out! Amen.
Excerpted with permission from Calm Thoughts for Kids by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.
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Your Turn
Did you know that you don’t have to think what you think?! That’s pretty cool! With God’s help, you can weed out thoughts that aren’t good for you and replace them with things that are lovely and good. Just ask Him! ~ Devotionals Daily