How Much Control Do We Actually Have over Our Thought Life? | Your Nightly Prayer

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

Updated May 19, 2025

Dear Lord, Please help me be aware of when I’m letting my mind linger in a room that is causing me angst instead of joy. Guide my thoughts into those rooms where blessings and abundance reside, and help me make a habit of choosing optimism in the present rather than regret over the past. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. In tonight’s reflection, Tracie Miles shares a vulnerable and powerful story about life after divorce and learning to take control of her thought life. Through the imagery of mental "rooms," she explores how intentionally choosing joy can change the emotional atmosphere of our lives. Rooted in Proverbs 17:22, this devotional encourages us to let God guide our minds into spaces of blessing, not burden. You can choose which mental "rooms" to visit—some lead to grief, others to gratitude. Scripture reminds us that joy has healing power; negativity weighs down the spirit. Taking control of your thoughts requires intention, awareness, and reliance on God. Joy is a choice, and so is the refusal to dwell on what no longer serves your spiritual growth.

Originally published May 19, 2025.

Tracie Miles Tracie Miles is the Author of eight best-selling books, including God’s Got You, Living Unbroken, Living Unbroken: A Divorce Recovery Workbook, Love Life Again, Unsinkable Faith, and Stress Less Living. She is the founder of Tracie Miles Author Coaching Services, where she coaches and mentors aspiring writers, and the founder of Tracie Miles Literary Agency. She also serves as the Director of COMPEL Pro Writers Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries, as well as being a contributing writer for the Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotions. Tracie has three grown children, plus a daughter and son-in-law, and two grandbabies on the way, all of whom live in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can connect with Tracie on her website at www.traciemiles.com as well as on her Facebook Author page and Instagram.