Why Our Morning Thoughts Matter
If we train our minds on gratitude, our brain responds by releasing hormones related to pleasure and contentment. Our day assumes a tone of joy.
What are the first thoughts that come to mind when you wake up? Here’s a multiple-choice quiz:
Our thoughts shape our beliefs which in turn influence our behaviors
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he,” says Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV).
If we groan about morning and complain about having to get up early, our bodies will feel sluggish. A dismal attitude will color everything we do and everybody in our path. We start sounding like Eeyore of Winnie the Pooh fame.
If we focus immediately on the workload facing us, we’ll feel overwhelmed, overworked, and underappreciated. Our bodies will start releasing stress hormones that send us into a fight, flight, or freeze response.
If, however, we train our minds to go to a place of gratitude, our bodies will respond by releasing hormones related to pleasure and contentment. Our day assumes a tone of joy and anticipation.
This isn’t just a teaching about the power of positive thinking. This is a biblical principle that proves true. The thoughts we habitually entertain—and that we train our minds to think when we wake up—really do make a difference.
God created our brains, and He knows how we function best
That’s why He tells us how to think:
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)
So, how can we train our morning thoughts to measure up to the description in Philippians? Here are three suggestions:
Your morning thoughts matter. Begin your day thinking about all things excellent, and the rest of your day will follow.
Know you are loved,
Grace
