16 Aug What’s in Your Thought Bubble?

Do you know what a thought bubble is? It’s a device often used in comic strips where the reader can see what someone is thinking, usually when they are saying something very different to the person to whom they are speaking. The truth is, we all have thought bubbles; things we’re thinking that we don’t want to share with others. As I heard a stand-up comedian put it recently: “My thoughts are words I choose not to say out loud.” That’s exactly right. It’s also why it’s critically important that we self-examine our thought bubbles often. Why?

In church-speak, there is the well-worn phrase “stinkin thinkin.”  Before I explain what it is, let’s look at what the Apostle Paul said about our thoughts:

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 (NIV)

While Paul’s words appear to be a directive, I think it’s also possible that he is telling the Philippians that these thought patterns should come naturally if one is in Christ; much as the Beatitudes Jesus delivered were descriptive of a Christ-follower and not prescriptive in nature. Simply put, this is what you will become. It’s not what you will “do.” So, now to “stinkin’ thinkin.”

Stinkin thinkin is almost anything that doesn’t fit into one of Paul’s thought categories. It could be anger, suspicion, guilt, shame, unhealthy cynicism, lust, etc. If the Spirit is guiding your thoughts, there will be no room in your thought bubble for stinking thoughts. We tend to think that because people can’t see our thought bubbles, can’t hear the words we choose not to say, that they are not harmful. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let me give you an example.

I will be reading, or watching TV, or just sitting when I suddenly realize that I have been on a toxic thought pattern for as much as five or ten minutes. Maybe it’s from my own sinful nature, the enemy, or both, but it definitely robs my joy. It’s why I appreciate Ramona’s occasional: “What are you thinking?” What about you?

How often do you stop and check your thought bubble? If you’re finding yourself often lost in negative thoughts, ask the Spirit to redirect you to Paul’s list and reclaim your joy and peace. What’s in your bubble right now?

Pastor Jerry Bader