Decision Tree

Have you ever had your thoughts run away with you. Sometimes, our thoughts, especially for us imaginative or reflective types, can take us to warm memories like Christmas morning when we were little that can also ignite the senses of the smell of snow or the fascinating possibilities that may lay ahead in our future. Sometimes, I often wonder if those are moments where God provides comfort or glimpses into what is possible if I follow him.

Even still, there are times, when my own thoughts can hold on to a seed wrapped in a question that festers and grows into a string of even more questions and thoughts that imprisons the warmth and joy God has blessed me with. Putting it plainly, the intent of being reflective is good. But as sin corrupts it, it turns into dwelling in an never ending do-loop that cannot stop under my own will.

So over lunch this past week, I had shared with another girl who attends my church that I had been struggling with the question of based on where I am now, who I've become, and my actions in certain situations, whether God was disappointed in me. This question I wrestled with for nights on end, losing sleep, and at times falling asleep with tears because I didn't know how to answer this question. At points, I felt so far away from God and his grace. I'm sure that if this particular question doesn't resonate with you, that there are probably other noteworthy examples that made you feel that your faith was in question.

Because both of us work at a fairly scientifically based agency, we tend to think logically, or at least we hope we do. So in conversation, the idea of a decision tree came to mind as how to combat these negative thoughts. In this method, she was using Philippians 4:8-9 which says:

"⁸ 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. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

So the decision tree goes something like this. If the answer is yes to any of the questions, continue on. If the answer is no, immediately go to prayer and scripture to fight that thought. So here goes,

Is the thought I have in this moment true? Yes or No

Is the thought noble? Yes or No

Is the thought right? Yes or No

and so on. But the point is that using this scripture to guide the thoughts in our heads. We can test the thought based on whether it falls in line with God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus' teachings and commandments.

I also find it interesting that in this particular scripture, is it possible that the words can indicate a spectrum? Meaning, going from factual based on God's laws and commandments to the things of our hearts or even possibly the fruit of the Spirit which is so dear to me. As I use the word spectrum, I'm not indicating a value system, but more of a method for doing a self check which starts out with thoughts and goes towards feelings.

So my prayer is that God would help guide my thoughts when I feel so incapable of controlling them and that Philippians 4:4-7 would reign clear in my heart, mind, and soul. And it says,

"⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."