What’s Inside?

Yesterday we looked at whether we were obeying the first commandment well. The direction of our life will be set by this guiding compass.

Today, I want to look at the content of our heart. What is going on in the inner man.

When we are loving the Lord with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind, things inside will fall into place a little more easily. But this does not mean that there will not be an internal struggle with our old man.

How do you know what is going on in your heart? Usually, in my case, I can tell by what is going through my mind. Maybe you can relate.

If we are not careful, we can waste a lot of time and mental energy thinking things that are negative. Worry, fear, anger, what if’s and if only’s can drive us crazy if we do not take control of our thought life.

I am going to give you a few ways to lasso your renegade thoughts and sift them through the sieve of scripture.

1. Talk to yourself, don’t listen to yourself. Quote scripture, if you have to until you get a grip on thinking things that are helpful and true rather than harmful or speculative.

2. Put your thoughts on paper and post them. Scripture, inspiring quotes, etc…are helpful for guiding your wayward thoughts back onto the straight and narrow. I’ve already told you before in other posts how I post 4×6 cards around my kitchen to remind myself and my kids of what is important.

3. Ask for Divine help. One practice that is so helpful is to thank Him as soon as you wake in the morning for keeping you safe through the night, and to ask Him to help you through the day. Then, with that humble awareness of your need for Him, start your day. Use prompts to refocus yourself through the day if you need to, like remembering to refocus at mealtimes. A good start is okay, but in my experience, we can start with great intentions and then get so busy during our day that we forget God. This will become more natural over time, as you get into the habit of acknowledging God in all of your ways.

It is imperative that even our secret thoughts and emotions be under the lordship of Christ. Of course God sees our heart, and we are told that the redeemed are “pure in heart.” A double minded woman is unstable, so we need our foundation to be set on something solid. Not that this needs to even be said, but, friends, our emotions are NOT solid or stable. (is that an understatement, or what? :))

When we are thinking God’s way, and agreeing with His truth in scripture, then we are able to lead our own children down a healthy path, and we will represent Christ accurately to our children and others.

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Addendum: I am sitting here reading Numbers 15 and the Lord prescribes a memory prompt for his people ” that they will look at it and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, and to not follow after our own hearts.” The prompt: blue tassels on their clothing! (37-41) 🙂