I like to think that when I talk to myself, I'm the only one listening. Woe to me if my thoughts were ever broadcast, even to my dearest friends. I kid myself, though, if I really believe that no one else hears me. Psalm 139 assures me that "He discerns my thoughts from afar" and "is acquainted with all my ways". Admitting the truth that none of my secret thoughts are secrets to God is the first step in changing my thought habits. I need to let the searchlight of God's Word shine into my thought life and show me where I are telling lies to myself, stripping away the veneer of pride, self-sufficiency, self-protection, control, selfishness, bitterness, discontent and replacing it with His truth.
How often do we say, "Yes, I know the Bible says that. No, I don't think it applies to me today in this situation"? We love God's Word so much, yet when it comes to obeying it, we really like to pick and choose, don't we? Can we obey the simple admonitions in Philippians 4:4-7? Can we rejoice instead of complaining and whining, no matter what our circumstances? Can we, really, choose to not be anxious about anything, instead praying and giving thanks in all things? Can we accept God's peace in all the upsets of our lives? Indeed, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Jump to the very next page, to Colossians 1, to see this Christ who purports to strengthen us. Is he able to do it? We're quite a handful, to be sure. You'll find the answer in verses 15-20. And when you've been reassured that he is indeed able, read on to see what has become of us. Oh glorious God that changes self-absorbed sinners into people holy and blameless and above reproach! Soli Deo Gloria!
Jean
No comments:
Post a Comment