Gonna Change My Way Of Thinking
The LORD says I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. – Psalms 32:8
Psalms 25:8-18
8 The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
10 The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness, all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
11 For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins.
17 My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all!
18 Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins.
Gerald Rafferty: A Musical Legacy
Gerald Rafferty (1947–2011) was a renowned Scottish singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Known for his smooth voice and introspective lyrics, Rafferty achieved notable success in the late 1970s with solo hits such as “Baker Street,” “Right Down the Line,” and “Night Owl.” He also gained fame as a member of the band Stealers Wheel with the hit “Stuck in the Middle with You.”
Among his lesser-known tracks is “Wrong Thinking,” a song featured on his 1994 album “Over My Head”. This reflective song explores the consequences of negative thought patterns and their effects on behavior and relationships. The lyrics examine themes of self-awareness, accountability, and the effort to overcome destructive tendencies.
“Is this a state that you can’t control, or don’t you care who you’re talking to
Each time when things get out of hand why it’s the same thing you always do
You start to point out other people’s mistakes sometimes you even show contempt.
How come the way you exclude yourself can’t you see that you’re not exempt?”
The chorus reinforces the central message:
“Wrong thinking gets the better of you
It only takes a moment or two.
Comes stealin’ like a thief in the night
Changes every little thing in sight
Wrong thinking gets the better of you.”
Well, it’s the same old thing that happens every time you react that way
Tomorrow, you will want to forget everything you said today
But every time something reminds you, you play the same old game inside
Any excuse in the book will do; Everything can be justified
Rafferty’s lyrics serve as a powerful reminder of how quickly negative thoughts can take over, influence actions, and cause regret.
Wrong Thinking in the Life of King David
The idea of “wrong thinking” is not only a theme in Rafferty’s song but also a common issue in human behavior, as illustrated in the life of King David. He was “a man after God’s own heart” and lived a life almost entirely above reproach before the Lord. 1 Samuel 13:14: “The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart.”
However, his moral failure with Bathsheba illustrates how wrong thinking can lead to devastating consequences.
1 Kings 15:5: “For David had done what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight and had obeyed the LORD’s commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite.”
David’s wrong thinking began with a moment of unchecked desire, which spiraled into a series of grave sins, including adultery, deceit, and murder. His actions not only caused him personal regret and remorse but also damaged the reputation of the God whom he loved deeply. Despite his failures, David’s heart remained tender toward the Lord, and he sought forgiveness with genuine repentance.
The Danger of Wrong Thinking
The Bible gives a clear warning about how wrong thinking can develop and its consequences. James 1:14-15: “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”
Jamesemphasizes the dangerous cycle that starts with unchecked desires. When wrong thinking takes hold, it leads to sinful actions, which, if ignored, cause spiritual and emotional ruin. David’s life illustrates this truth, as his initial mistake triggered a series of sins and deep regret.
The Steep Price of Foolishness
How could David make so many mistakes? He lost his clarity of thought and allowed his passions and lust to take over. David’s misguided thinking led him to act impulsively, like a “senseless horse or mule,” as described in the Psalms. His stubbornness and lack of self-control resulted in serious consequences for not only himself but also those around him. Yet, even in his failure, David’s story is one of redemption. His heartfelt repentance and desire to restore his relationship with God demonstrate the power of grace and forgiveness.
Wrong thinking is a universal struggle that can trap even the most faithful believers. It often begins subtly, appearing as harmless desires, but quickly leads to actions that create distance from God. The life of King David serves as both a warning and a testament to the redeeming power of God’s love.
Psalms 32:8-9: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle.”
REFLECT & PRAY
Misguided thoughts can lead us astray. By entrusting our minds and hearts to Him, we can rise above these pitfalls and align our lives with His purpose.
Father, I am guilty of repeated wrong thinking and inappropriate action. My life seems beset with snares, nets, and traps. Deliver me, forgive me, and encourage me to think rightly.
INSIGHT
The Complexity of Human Nature
People are inherently complex, capable of both extraordinary good and devastating evil. This duality is evident in the life of King David, whose flawed thinking led to a significant moral decline. Overcome by unchecked emotions, self-deception, and sinful actions, David’s choices resulted in pain, destruction, and even death. His fallen human nature, inherited from humanity’s brokenness, brought him to his lowest point.
Yet, the Father chose to include David’s entire story, flaws and all, in His Word. Why? Because David’s struggles mirror our own. His shortcomings, failures, and rebellion resonate with us, allowing us to see ourselves in his story. More importantly, David’s life reveals how the Father works to provide hope and encouragement, even in the darkest moments.
Hope and Encouragement Through Scripture
The Father’s Word is a source of hope and guidance, written to teach us and remind us of His promises. David’s story, though filled with failure, also demonstrates the Father’s unwavering love and willingness to forgive and restore.
Romans 15:4: “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”
The stories of the past are not just historical accounts but lessons meant to inspire and uplift us. Through David’s life, we see that no matter how far we fall, the Father is always there, ready to forgive and bring us back into fellowship with Him.
The Miracle of Forgiveness
The Father does not hold grudges or respond to our sins with unrelenting anger. Instead, He poured out the condemnation we deserved onto the Lord Jesus Christ. In a miraculous and divine exchange, Jesus took upon Himself the weight of our sins and, in return, gave us the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
This gracious act is the foundation of our hope. When we turn back to the Father, we experience the joy of forgiveness and the restoration of our relationship with Him. The sweetness of His love and the delight of His presence are renewed, allowing us to walk closely with Him once again.
The Barrier of Wrong Thinking
It is often our own mistaken thinking that creates a barrier between us and the Father. Negative thoughts lead to inappropriate emotions, words, and actions, which disrupt our fellowship with Him. Still, the Father desires an incredibly close relationship with us. He longs for us to feel the warmth of His embrace and to experience the joy of sweet fellowship with Him. His desire for intimacy with us is even greater than our own longing for Him.
A Call to Change Our Thinking©
The importance of changing our way of thinking is highlighted in Bob Dylan’s song “Gonna Change My Way of Thinking.” Dylan conveys the core of transformation, encouraging us to reject harmful influences and align our thoughts with truth and righteousness.
Gonna change my way of thinking, Make myself a different set of rules.
Gonna change my way of thinking, Make myself a different set of rules.
Gonna put my good foot forward, And stop being influenced by fools.
Well don’t know which one is worse, Doing your own thing or just being cool.
Well don’t know which one is worse, Doing your own thing or just being cool.
You remember only about the brass ring, You forget all about the golden rule.
Jesus said, “Be ready, For you know not the hour in which I come.”
Jesus said, “Be ready, For you know not the hour in which I come.”
He said, “He who is not for Me is against Me,” Just so you know where He’s coming from.
There’s a kingdom called Heaven, A place where there is no pain of birth.
There’s a kingdom called Heaven, A place where there is no pain of birth.
Well the Lord created it, mister, About the same time He made the earth.
Dylan’s lyrics remind us of the need to shift from wrong thinking to right-thinking, a transformation that aligns our minds and hearts with the Father’s will. This change is not just about avoiding sin but about embracing a mindset that reflects the values of the kingdom of Heaven, a place of peace, joy, and eternal fellowship with God.
The Power of Right-Thinking
When we change our way of thinking, we open the door to a renewed relationship with the Father. Wrong thinking, which leads to sin and separation, is replaced by right-thinking, which fosters closeness and alignment with His purposes. This transformation allows us to experience the fullness of His love and the joy of walking in His ways.
The Father’s desire is clear: He wants us to live in the freedom and peace that come from right-thinking, free from the snares of sin and self-deception. Through His Word, His forgiveness, and His grace, He provides everything we need to make this change and draw nearer to Him.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 