Thoughts

“Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” Gen. 6:5-6 NKJV

“The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts.” Psalm 10:4 NKJV

Both of these verses are troubling.

Yet, it is important for those who seek to follow the Lord to see what it means to not.

To stop and look at what the Lord calls wicked is to take personal inventory.

Is there any place where the Lord is not a part of our thoughts?

Has a certain area of the heart become “off limits” to Him?

If so, repentance should be swift, because it is easy to see that the wickedness of those God calls wicked comes from their thoughts and God is not a part of a single one.

Let us then look to scripture.

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Cor. 13:11 NKJV

Is there an area in our lives where we simply need to grow up?

Are we self-disciplined, honorable, kind, thoughtful, courteous, respectful, and willing to work?

“I thought about my ways,
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.” Psalm 119:59 NKJV

The Bible is the standard for proper behavior, attitudes, perspective, and relationships.

“casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” 2 Cor. 10:5 NKJV

Take every thought captive and run it through the list:

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV

If our thoughts are allowed to “run loose” we will find they stray far from these things.

God understands that it is in the thoughts of our heart where we either draw near Him or slide away.

Therefore, He gives us signs and instructions to help us.

For the Bible has much to say about the Lord’s thoughts toward us.

“Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40:5 NKJV

“O LORD, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep.” Psalm 92:5 NKJV

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for these words of guidance and warning. Lord it is often that I find my thoughts going waywardly away from Your standard and it is with sorrow that I struggle with this. Lord, please continue to bring my thoughts back to those things which honor You. Lord, help me learn even more how to take every thought captive. Lord, please help me to focus my mind on those things which are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and are praise worthy. Lord, thank You for the thoughts You have of me. How You love me and want what is best for me at all times. That all these things in Your Word are for edification and blessing for all peoples. Lord, when I think of the lengths You have gone and the work You still do to reach mankind, I am overwhelmed by Your mercy, grace, and love. Thank You for being good all the time and for loving us far beyond any measure. Truly, how great are You, God Almighty! Mighty in word and deed! I praise Your name, Jesus. Amen.