You can stop runaway thoughts

All of us experience runaway thoughts, especially in times of great stress.

Being single aggravates this problem because we don't have a spouse talking to us to interrupt up the pattern. The situation seems to get even worse when you turn out the lights and go to bed.

When I was battling cancer many years ago, my mind would race from one "What if?" to another. My mind seemed to have a "mind" of its own. I felt so panicky that I didn't know what to do.

I couldn't listen to the radio or TV all night. I needed to get some sleep, but my mind was too active and my body was too tense. Have you ever felt that way? Does it sometimes feel like you're losing control?

You are in control

Our thoughts can be like a temperamental little child, throwing a tantrum, insistent on getting his own way. But you are bigger than your thoughts. You have the power to take control again, but it's crucial that you believe you have that power.

Whether it's worry, fear, or a vague sense of anxiety, you don't have to let your thoughts run wild.

Once you accept the fact that you are in control, you can grind that panicky thinking to a halt.

Think about the right thing

The Apostle Paul was well-acquainted with this problem. What better place to have your mind run wild than in prison, where Paul spent much of his time?

Paul knew how important it is to take control and dictate what you think about:

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

And what single thing embodies all those qualities? Why, Jesus, of course!

Jesus stops runaway thoughts

If you're unable to pray your panic away, just keep repeating the name of Jesus. When one of those hyena notions tries to burrow itself in, throw the name of Jesus at it and keep repeating that name.

This is the antidote for a mind running wild, fear, anxiety, and those untamed ideas that try to take us over.

Calm and peace of mind are possible.

Life is short, way too short to be miserable because of runaway thoughts. Squash them. Keep calling on Jesus and he'll put your mind at rest.

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