Think on these things, not those things!

Written by Desiree Bustamante

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

My four-year-old niece loves to watch swimming fish. They hold her interest for quite a length of time for a child. I often wonder what she is thinking when she stares intently at fish swimming in a pond. I’m pretty certain that the fish aren’t in such deep thought as she seems.

Our thoughts are many, too. We think about our day’s activities, our family, or our work. Sometimes our thinking drifts to happy memories of holiday events or special times spent with friends, but at other times we worry about our life, our country, and our children’s future. We fret over what is, and daydream about what could be.

There are many passages in Scripture that tell us how we ought to think. Paul gave us some examples of where our mind’s focus should be:

^“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
Romans 12: 2 & 3 New Living Translation

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8 New Living Translation

When we dwell on God’s Word our thoughts become open to Him. We understand His purpose for our life, His plan for our days, and His perfect peace to face any challenge. He can change our thoughts to be like His if we only ask Him.

Maybe you’re a little skeptical that your thoughts can be improved. It is hard to let go of familiar habits even if they are negative, and without the power of God in our lives it’s practically impossible. However, as you pursue this with God don’t be surprised at the changes in your thoughts, just remember that Paul told the Ephesians that God is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or even think!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado