Are you listening to yourself or talking to yourself?

This question, posed in a recent sermon, got me thinking. There really is a fundamental difference between the two. The voices in our heads can often be unkind, chaotic, and deceitful.

Listening to these negative thoughts can quickly derail our attempts to live according to God’s purposes for us.

This is why Paul encourages us in Romans to not allow our bodies (minds) to, “be conformed to this world” Rather, he exhorts us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Rom 12:2)

If God’s purpose for us is discovered and worked into the fabric of our lives, one thought at a time, then we need to learn to “[bring] every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Cor 10:5)

John Gill describes this process as illustrating or framing each thought with divine light. Processing our thoughts through the divine lens of Christ reveals that He alone is Savior and King. We look to Him, His commands and ordinances, as Truth.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

(Psa 119:9-11)

Here is the key to the matter! How do we guard our thoughts and keep our way pure so that we do not sin? By reading the word, memorizing the word, and speaking the word.

Read His word, so that you know the Truth. Then, when unkind and deceitful thoughts begin, you can talk to yourself! Speaking Truth rather than allowing your thoughts to culminate in confusion or fear.

You are not alone in this. The Holy Spirit is present and waiting for you to acknowledge Him.

Ask Him, “Holy Spirit, are there any recurring thoughts in my mind that are keeping me from being renewed and living my purpose?”

Ask Him, “Holy Spirit, shed Your divine light on these thoughts so that I may see clearly and take them captive to the obedience of Christ.”

Take note of what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you today.

Shalom.