"Heart Thoughts"
Our memory verse for this week raises the issue of our thinking, beginning with the fundamental subject of Truth.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).
We don't have to be brilliant or particularly smart in order to walk with the Lord in faith and faithfulness. However, we must think. This involves the consistent determination to make choices about our beliefs, convictions, perspectives, and opinions. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" declared Solomon (Proverbs 23:7). "Heart thoughts", as it were, involve the choices we make about how we will view life and reality. Many notions present themselves to us during the course of our days, some good, some bad, most seemingly inconsequential. The thoughts of our heart concern far deeper realities, which if true, enable us to properly engage ourselves in processing the information and propositions that continually arrive at the doorstep of our minds. "Am I thinking rightly about this matter?" we must ask ourselves. Or, more to the point and far more effectually, we join David in making inquiry of our Heavenly Father for His answer.
"Search me, o God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm139:23-24).
The most important aspect of our thinking involves the One whose searching we seek. Do we factor God and His Truth into our perspective about this matter, or that issue, or ourselves, or other people? Born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can think in terms of practical atheism even through we are theists at heart. Of the wicked, the Psalmist declared, "God is not in all his thoughts" (Psalm 10:4). I never read those words without thinking, "Yes, and even though I am a believer, I too often fail to factor the Lord into how I view the matters of life". The most devout believer can respond to specific matters as if God does not exist and is not actively involved in every aspect of our lives. Christians forget, and sometimes we disbelieve our Lord and His Word. Thus, we must seek our Lord's searching of of our thoughts, particularly the heart thoughts that must lead to faith rather than unbelief. "Am I thinking rightly about You, Lord, and about myself, people, and the blessings, challenges, and issues of life?" An ongoing fellowship with our Heavenly Father about this most vital matter must grace our hearts and minds as we walk with Him.
"I hate vain thoughts. But Thy law do I love."
(Psalm 119:113)
"In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul."
(Psalm 94:19)
Weekly Memory Verse
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
(Philippians 4:8)
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