POWERLESS BUT HARMFUL.
The Lord knows our thoughts, that they are but an empty breath. Psalm 94:11
Ever looked at someone and begin to think things about that person that you could never reveal to that person, or anyone for that matter? Hmmm! The human mind is so secretive. We can recluse into the distant reaches of the mind and be so far from everyone around us. The mind is probably the most private place any of us will ever have. While satan and his evil forces may be able to influence our thoughts and know our weaknesses, he cannot read our minds. If he could, he would have known he was going to have a losing battle against Job. There is one however who knows our inward thoughts. God!
Ever looked at someone and begin to think things about that person that you could never reveal to that person, or anyone for that matter? Hmmm! The human mind is so secretive. We can recluse into the distant reaches of the mind and be so far from everyone around us. The mind is probably the most private place any of us will ever have. While satan and his evil forces may be able to influence our thoughts and know our weaknesses, he cannot read our minds. If he could, he would have known he was going to have a losing battle against Job. There is one however who knows our inward thoughts. God!
God knows our thoughts. The text says that our thoughts are empty breath, that is, powerless of themselves. Interestingly the PsalmistÂ’s view of thoughts is very much in line with Old Testament thinking. It gave the impression that our powerless thoughts were also harmless unless acted out. Jesus however set that thinking straight when He said in Matt. 5: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. God knows our thoughts, and they are as important to Him as our actions. After all, it is our thoughts that lead to our actions.
Our thoughts are judged on two levels. First, they are judged by the Word of God. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4: 12. His words guide our thinking, keeping us focused on God rather than on things of the World. Whenever our thoughts are out of sync with GodÂ’s word, it sets off alarms in our minds and we quickly resubmit our minds to God. As we grow in the Spirit, our minds are transformed to reflect PaulÂ’s instruction in Phil. 2: 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Second, our thoughts will be judged by God himself. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. God, who knows the working of our inner being, will judge our thoughts.
We may not be able to move things with our minds, or read other peoples thoughts. We are able to conceal out thoughts from those around us, but they are an open book before God. The Psalmist therefore, in His call for God to avenge His peopleÂ’s suffering, reminds us indirectly that in the same way God is aware of the thoughts of the wicked, he also knows the thoughts of His people. Let us not deceive ourselves into thinking we are something when we are really nothing [Gal. 6: 3], rather, let us guard our thoughts by constantly measuring them against the standard of GodÂ’s words, for God will bring every secret though into judgment. Thoughts may be powerless, but they sure can be harmful.
Till next Tuesday, be blessed.
Our thoughts are judged on two levels. First, they are judged by the Word of God. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4: 12. His words guide our thinking, keeping us focused on God rather than on things of the World. Whenever our thoughts are out of sync with GodÂ’s word, it sets off alarms in our minds and we quickly resubmit our minds to God. As we grow in the Spirit, our minds are transformed to reflect PaulÂ’s instruction in Phil. 2: 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Second, our thoughts will be judged by God himself. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. God, who knows the working of our inner being, will judge our thoughts.
We may not be able to move things with our minds, or read other peoples thoughts. We are able to conceal out thoughts from those around us, but they are an open book before God. The Psalmist therefore, in His call for God to avenge His peopleÂ’s suffering, reminds us indirectly that in the same way God is aware of the thoughts of the wicked, he also knows the thoughts of His people. Let us not deceive ourselves into thinking we are something when we are really nothing [Gal. 6: 3], rather, let us guard our thoughts by constantly measuring them against the standard of GodÂ’s words, for God will bring every secret though into judgment. Thoughts may be powerless, but they sure can be harmful.
Till next Tuesday, be blessed.
Comments
No comments