“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.” Psalm 139:1-4.
Everything in life begins with a thought whether it be success or a failure. How you think determines your attitude, perspective, and your quality of life. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 it says, “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.”
Micah spoke out against people who plot evil deeds at night and enact them in the morning in Micah 2:1. “Woe to those who plan iniquity to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.” What do you think about when going to bed? Are you scheming and plotting ways to advance your goals? Evil thoughts lead us to commit evil deeds. Your thoughts reflect your character. Mark 7:20-23 further explains, “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean’. For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean’”. King Herod had evil thoughts and actions as recorded in Matthew 2:16. Herod had blood on his hands ordering boys age two and younger killed because he feared losing his throne to Jesus. God spared Jesus as said in Matthew 2:12 by warning the Magi “in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” Man cannot change God’s plans.
Since what we think about determines what we say and how we act, it is necessary to examine the influence television, internet, books, magazines, movies, and social contacts have on individuals. Is the content of our choices harmful or praiseworthy to God? David asked God to search out the sin in him and test his thoughts in Psalm 139:23. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
We must recognize our sin in order to repent asking God for forgiveness. To change your way of thinking, follow the rule in Colossians 3:2. “Set your minds on the things above, not on earthly things.” When tempted to think ungodly thoughts, start rejoicing in the Lord giving him praise. Read the Scriptures daily and pray. Hebrews 4:12, 13 tells us, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Since God is with us always, nothing is hidden from him. He knows our every thought and deed. Even through all our failings, God still loves us.
Let us focus on Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:8, 9. “. . . 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Remember, it is important for us to maintain self-control, but we are also held accountable for our thought-control.
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