Dear Montie,
There is a word called “sublimation” — a process where we transcend the lower thought with a noble, more magnificent one. You need to find a key as to which thought will work for you to elevate your mind to a “higher” form of thinking that replaces the ignoble one.
I have a method that frequently gets me into a lot of trouble, for I am quite used to taking a contrarian stand in defense of something that presents itself to my mind. Very often I have been completely wrong about an incident, through not knowing all the motives or details. It is serious to rashly judge another. So to avoid the sin, I consistently
sublimate my thoughts to trust the good intention, unknown details, etc., leaving judgment to God, especially if it is not my concern nor a matter under my personal authority or supervision.
God taught me in psalm 50, "You sit speaking against your brother; against your mother’s son you spread rumors. When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or think you that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes!"
How this worked practically was, whenever I experienced a sharp indignation over another’s deeds, I caught myself and asked God, “Have I ever done
THIS to another?” Almost immediately after I posed this to Him, I had remembrance of an identical time that I did the very same thing.
There but for the grace of God, go I.
In short, it taught me not to judge, and to become a champion at defending others. And that does get me in trouble, for people generally want you to side in with their opinions.
If the thoughts you mentioned are of another nature, ask God to show you the key to sublimating them. My key was to ask, “have I done this to another?”
Blessings and peace,
Carole