Actions speak louder than words, but actions speak from our thoughts. The more we allow our mind to dwell on dark thoughts, the more apt our actions will be dark. You’ve heard people say, “They are in a dark place right now.” Usually that is an expression of depression, negativity, anger, resentment, misery or grief. This is the reason for this topic “How God Wants Us to Think: 8 Verses to Read”.
The questions for this lesson are:
- What does God say about our thoughts?
- Where in the Bible does it say to be careful about our thoughts?
- What does God tell us to think on?
- What mindset does God want us to have?
- What are the benefits of thinking God’s way?
1. What does God say about our thoughts?
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.”
God tells us:
- He gives us peace
- when our minds (thoughts) are set on Him
- Why? Because we trust in Him.
We often expect that God’s help will come in a flash of light. That rarely happens even though we would like that at times.
Of course saying simply to trust Him is not always that easy with our human nature. That’s why its important to fellowship with Him daily. Building trust each day makes it alot easier.
2. Where in the Bible does it say to be careful about our thoughts?
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“
What can we do?
- Stay away from worldly thoughts that disagree with God’s Word.
- Use scripture to keep your thoughts obedient.
- Having a quiet time with God helps us keep our minds on Him. Fellowshiping with Him draws us closer by seeing what He has for us in His Word. Letting Him know our fears and thoughts allows Him to work in our lives.
3. What does God tell us to think on?
Philippians 4:8
”Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.“
- “True – That which is reliable and can be trusted.” Holman Dictionary. “True – That which is reliable and can be trusted. Holman Dictionary
- “Noble – Great; elevated; dignified; being above every thing that can dishonor reputation; as a nobel mind; a noble courage; noble deeds of valor.” King James Dictionary
- “Right – In morals and religion, just; equitable; accordant to the standard of truth and justice or the will of God. That alone is right in the sight of God, which is consonant to his will or law; this being the only perfect standard of truth and justice.” King James Dictionary
- “Pure – Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt; undebased by moral turpitude; holy.” King James Dictioary
- “Lovely – Having such an appearance as excites, or is fitted to excite, love; beautiful; charming; very pleasing in form, looks, tone, or manner.” King James Dictionary
”Believers were to “think about these things.” While God guards our hearts (Philippians 4:7), we are also commanded to focus our lives on things that please God.” bibleref.com
When we keep our minds on Christ, these things become strong and help us stay on track. This is a healthy way to stay away from negative thinking which only pulls us away from the Lord and creates havoc in our lives.
At the end of verse 8, we are told to think about anything that is worthy of our attention.
1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
Remember who it is that is causing these thoughts to plague you. Satan delights in keeping you down.
4, What mindset does God want us to have?
Colossians 3:2 NIV
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.“
”Based on their participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, believers partake of a new life. Here there is security, freedom of fear, and power for dealing with the influences of hostile powers.” Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary of the New Testament
In our new life as Christians, we have access to God’s power to live a more peaceful life. This helps us to deal with the onslaught of dark thoughts coming from our enemy.
Romans 8:6 NIV
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Our choice each minute is to decide who has control of our lives. Resting in Jesus wins hands-down.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
This verse tells us where fear comes from-Satan. God gives us power, love and a way to handle fear and anxiety.
5.What are the benefits of thinking God’s Way
If we compare the benefits of each side, and see the results, why do we not obey the Lord, knowing its best? There are many triggers that persaude us to suffer alone. God has answers to help bring us out of those moments.
Psalm 103:1-5 NIV
“Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.“
Here are a few of His Benefits
- Forgives all our sin.
- Heals all our dieases.
- Redeems our lives from the pit.
- Crowns us with love and compassion.
- Satisfies our desires with good things.
- So that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
In Conclusion
The point here is not to say we will not suffer or have a bad day. Many events happen in our life and sorrow comes. Thats normal. Here the Lord tells us that He is there to gives us comfort and relief so we can heal.
Moving forward in God is not removing our feelings about difficult situations. Its joining hands with God to receive His strength to be able to go on.
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