“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NCV)
I knew they were there, but I tried to ignore them and deny their existence.
They controlled how I felt in the morning and when I went to sleep. They often caused my emotions to feel out of control, making me feel out of control too.
They dictated how I reacted to situations or conversations. They often made me feel offended, angry, or hurt, whether or not it was truly justified. They never ceased to remind me of my shortcomings and flaws, making me feel inferior and without value, and they constantly tried to pull me down with discouragement or hopelessness, stealing my peace and joy.
What are “they,” you ask?
My thoughts.
Life had been tough for many months due to a painful situation in my marriage, and as a result, negative thoughts were running my life.
I didn’t want to feel sad or unhappy, but my thoughts stayed consumed with all the things that made me sad and unhappy. I didn’t want to feel discouraged or fearful, but my heart was heavy.
My negative thoughts were weighing down not only my emotions but my outlook on life. I felt as if I were sinking mentally, emotionally, and at times spiritually.
The NCV paraphrase of today&8217;s key verse gives us wise advice on dealing with our thoughts: “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life” (Proverbs 4:23).
This passage was written by King Solomon for the benefit of his own sons. As I read Proverbs 4, I notice that although Solomon was the king of Israel, he didn’t just advise his sons about royal matters like how to handle money, job responsibilities, or leading the kingdom. Instead he spoke here of the value of controlling their thoughts, which would determine how his sons felt and lived.
The quality of our thoughts will always determine the quality of our lives.
Whatever our minds focus on will shape what plays out in our lives and who we become. Our thoughts and feelings have more power than we may realize, gradually steering us — and possibly our faith — in a direction we may not want to go. King Solomon knew it’s often our thoughts, not just our circumstances, that cause us to sink, and his scriptures counsel us to be careful about what we think and feel.
When I realized my thoughts were running my life, I admitted to Jesus how I had allowed emotionally fueled thoughts to sink my joy, hope, and faith. I asked Him to remind me of His Truth that says I can be positive even if my circumstances aren’t.
As He helped me intentionally change my thoughts, my life changed as well. And so can yours.
Dear Lord, at times I feel as if I’m sinking in my attitude, my thought patterns, and even my faith. Forgive me for letting negativity have power over how I feel, think, and live. Fill me with hope today. Give me wisdom to control my attitude, and help me learn to transform my thoughts, heart, and life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
We’ve been blown away by generous people just like you who said “yes” to what God wants to do through them. Because of you, thousands of women are being reached with conversations that help them sort through what they’re walking through with biblical wisdom they can trust. But we’re not done yet. There is still an opportunity to help reach even more women who are searching for steady, Scripture-rooted Truth right now. If you’ve not yet given — or if you feel led to give again — your gift today can help us reach 1,000 more women. So give now to help ensure there’s biblical Truth waiting for her right when she needs it most.
If you struggle with negativity and long to start living with a positive, optimistic, faith-filled outlook — even in the midst of difficult circumstances — then Tracie Miles’ Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies to Transform the Way You Think, Feel, and Live is the book you need. Find out more here!
You can also connect with Tracie on Instagram and Facebook for daily encouragement!
Proverbs 2:6-8, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints” (ESV).
2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV).
Is it possible your thoughts about your circumstances — more than the actual circumstances themselves — are causing you to feel like you’re sinking in heart and mind?
We want to hear from you! How did today’s devotion impact you? Share your thoughts (about your thoughts) in the comments!
© 2026 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.
What We Believe
If your life feels too overwhelming, click here for our care and counseling resources.
Join the Conversation