Do your thoughts race and roll in your mind sometimes? Do you find yourself following other paths when you really need to stay focused on an issue? Mine do. In fact, all of us do that. It’s called rumination and God has some words about it.

Whenever my busy thoughts are out of control the soothing comfort of Your Presence calms me and overwhelms me with delight. Psalm 94:19

If you read the next verse you’ll find one of the reasons this condition is rampant in our culture right now. However, that’s not where I want to go with this post. My thoughts went somewhere else, again.

Racing thoughts often happen in conditions of anxiety and stress, especially in times like we’re living now. The pandemic, the political/governmental crisis, the uncertainty, and the business of life contribute to thoughts that run helter-skelter.

Paul gave some much-needed guidance on this issue in Phillippians 4:6-7:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

And so how do we get our thoughts back into some kind of order? Paul tells us to pray, to ask (supplication), to give thanks. For me, the moment I go to God and talk to Him my thoughts begin to calm and I’m usually able to gain some perspective.

The next thing I do is start thinking of Bible verses I have memorized. My favorite is Phillippians 4:8.

I highly recommend having many verses memorized. Not only will they help when your mind wants to ruminate, but they will also be always there for any situation you find yourself in. In Psalm 119:11 David says, “Thy word will I hide in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie