Sometimes this is hard to do. If you're in the midst of trial, or having a bad day, or if you're really excited about something; these are times the devil uses to move in and snatch God's Word straight from your heart. And sometimes, if you're really caught up in these things, you think that you don't want it back. But if you are a true Christian, this isn't true - deep down you have a burning fire, even if it's a small flame at the moment, that yearns for the food of God's Word.
If you're going through trials, you may think you don't want the Word because God gave you these trials to endure and so you don't really feel like trusting Him right now. In all reality though, you know that if you turn to God and His Word during these times, He will only lift you up and encourage you. If you're really excited about something, you may feel like not dwelling on the Word because it will bring a little seriousness to the joy you're experiencing right now. But really, is it true joy if God has nothing to do with it?
But if you are a true Christian, then you also know that with God's Holy Word in your heart comes the greatest sense of peace, joy, trust, staying power that can ever be experienced. So, to think of the Lord or to thank Him in your excitement will only bring greater joy, even if it does bring a little seriousness. And to read the Word and pray to your Heavenly Father during trials or bad days will only help you to trust Him more and give you strength to go on.
A few weeks ago on Sunday after I'd done my morning devotions, I prayed sincerely to God that after the morning service I would keep what was said in my heart and mind and meditate on it, and not turn to thinking of things that would entertain an earthly conversation. Sadly, the moment we were dismissed, I was caught up in getting ready to go hiking in the mountains: pulling Dad's truck out, changing, packing a lunch... There was no thought of the sermon or what had been said in my mind until about an hour later, ten minutes into the drive that I had remembered my prayer. I was ashamed of myself. How could I have slipped so easily when I had prayed so earnestly? And that's when I thought of the topic for this post.
The devil makes his move when we are least expecting it, when we put our guard down for one moment. The only way we can battle him is to run to the Lord as soon as we realize what has happened. And the Lord will be there for us, and will help us through anything. Because we are His children. We belong to Him. And He is a jealous God, and He wants all our thoughts to be with Him.
Since we as man are totally depraved, tainted by sin in everything we do, it is not the natural thing for us to be heavenly minded. Our thoughts naturally tend to go in the direction of this world. But if we are Christians, we work to exercise our minds to think on heavenly things. And through God's grace we can obtain this.
So dear friend, today let us think on things eternal, heavenly, honoring to God. And whatever kind of week, month, or year you're having, see if it makes a difference in your attitude, demeanor, actions, and speech. May the God of Heaven be glorified in all that we do.
Great words, Rachel! Thanks for your posts. This made me think of some verses in Isaiah, but instead of just posting one or two verses I will just post the whole chapter...
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 55
King James Version (KJV)
55 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.