The Thought Flower: From mental merry-go-round to mental quiet

White Chestnut

Unwanted thoughts

Worry

Mental unrest, preoccupation, anxiety

For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds. Usually at such times when the interest of them moment is not strong enough to keep the mind full. Thoughts which worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture.

Reflection

White Chestnut reflects thoughts that circle and will not settle. The same worry, picture, or argument returns uninvited and crowds out prayer and work. God keeps in peace the mind that is stayed on Him. The practice is a return, again and again, to a short prayer and a true word, until the mind has a place to rest.

Scripture

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV). "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Meditation

Lord, my thoughts are circling. I stay my mind on You. Give me Your peace, and I will return here each time they start again.