“Maybe for once in your life, Don’t Think.” This quote appears in the closing scene of episode five of the first season of The Chosen, “a multi-season ‘binge-able’ TV series based on the life of Christ and his disciples. It’s the biggest crowdfunded project in the history of TV crowdfunding, not just for faith-based projects, but ever.” In this scene at a wedding in Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle, we witness a conversation between Ramah and Thomas: “Ramah: ‘Who is he? I can’t pretend I didn’t see a miracle.’ Thomas tells Ramah that Jesus has invited him to join the disciples in Samaria in 12 days. “Samaria?’ Ramah repeats. ‘I don’t know what to think,’ Thomas says. ‘So don’t,’ Ramah says. ‘Maybe for once in your life, don’t think.’” The sounds fade away, and end credits roll.

Don’t Think…that phrase echoed enough at the conclusion of the episode, I paused the automatic play and jotted a note. After the second viewing during Christmas with the family, it resonated again…Don’t Think. These words, what does that even mean?!? Don’t Think! I’m uncertain there has ever been a time when my brain isn’t chugging along at a minimum of a few miles-per-hour. It thinks all night long when I am supposed to be sleeping, it’s processing random thoughts as I perform my daily routine and head off to school, and it’s churning while listening to a podcast as I walk. Don’t Think! Oh, at times, that would be a luxury. Especially when I’m being challenged to consider (think about) the digital Junk Food that might be streaming into my brain unconsciously while using various devices throughout my day.

In her book The Right Kind of Strong, Mary Kassian shares the shocking statistics that we have around 70,000 thoughts per day or 48.6 thoughts per minute, according to one study, and 80 percent of those thoughts are negative. “This mental chatter starts the moment we wake up and continues throughout our waking day. The chatter goes on in the background as we shower, get dressed, eat, talk, read the news, check our social media feeds, work, walk, drive, or even make love. It goes on when we are alone and when we are with others. It’s like a fly that constantly flits from one place to another, a background buzz that’s exceedingly difficult to turn off.”

Like Ramah’s advice to Thomas, the French Catholic archbishop Francois Fenelon suggests that we might benefit from times when we Don’t Think. “Thinking too much will distract you. If you become trapped in your thoughts, they will blow out your inward spiritual sense like a wind blowing out a candle.” But purposefully attempting to not think when you are praying, meditating, or struggling to Be Still is so challenging! Newberg and Waldman share, “For example, you might find yourself thinking, ‘This is stupid! I’ve got more important things to do!’ In mindfulness you’ll note that thought and then you allow it to float away as you bring your attention back to a state of inner silence or to your breath. But it won’t be long before another thought or feeling intrudes, like, ‘My back hurts!’ This inner dialogue never seems to stop.” And I believe that Satan uses this opportunity to attack our minds and get us to thinking the wrong way.

So, I propose that if we truly desire to cultivate the Habits of a Flourishing Life, we consider embracing Kassian’s habit to Master the Mind,” and alter our thoughts from carnal to spiritual ones. “According to the Bible, there are really only two directions our thoughts can go: we can think carnal thoughts or spiritual ones…Carnal thinking is the common, popular way to think. It depends on human wisdom…With a carnal mind-set, I focus on myself—my ability, my worth, my value, my capability. I leave God out of the picture…Spiritual thoughts are otherworldly, supernatural, divine in origin. They focus on Jesus Christ—his ability, his worth, his value, his capability.”

There are moments in life where Ramah and Fenelon are wise when they say Don’t Think and we should attempt to clear our minds of worldly thoughts; however, other times we might benefit from mastering our thoughts so that the Enemy loses his influence. So, I ask that you consider sharing in the comments below effective ways you have found to (1) clear your mind and not think and (2) switch carnal thoughts to spiritual ones.

References:

Be a Brilliant Writer. (2022). The Chosen S1, E5 In-depth summary and review: The wedding miracle. Retrieved from https://www.beabrilliantwriter.com/the-chosen-s1e5-in-depth-summary-review-the-wedding-miracle/

Fenelon, F. (1992). The seeking heart. SeedSowers Publishing.

Kassian, M.A. (2019). The right kind of strong: Surprisingly simple habits of a spiritually strong woman. Nelson Books.

Newberg, A. & Waldman, M.R. (2012). Words can change your brain: 12 conversation strategies to build trust, resolve conflict, and increase intimacy. Penguin Publishing Group.