‘As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for you, O God’. (Psalm 42:1)‘whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’ (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
As you begin each new day what are the thoughts you are confronted with?
Do they tend to be negative or positive?
Our thoughts not only shape the direction of the day ahead but of our entire lives. It’s important for us to reflect on what dominates our thought life.
Satan wants us to think negatively about ourselves so we end up being a dejected and defeated Christian, but that’s a deception; the truth of Scripture is quite different.
Why not take some time to meditate on who you are in Christ.
Here are just some thoughts to consider:
- I am chosen. (Eph.1:4) Before the foundation of the world we were in God’s heart;
- I have been born again (1 Pet.1:23) and am a new creation. (2 Cor.5:17) The old person has died the new has come;
- I am spiritually alive. (Rom.6:11) No longer dead in trespasses and sins;
- I am free. (Jn.8:32) Set free from the bondage of sin and death;
- I am a child of God. (Gal.3:26) Which means women are princesses and men are princes of the King of Kings;
- I am a masterpiece. (Eph.2:10) We are God’s poem, his work of art, his creative genius;
- I am loved. (Jn.3:16) God loves us unconditionally;
- I am secure. (Jn.10:28-29) No one can snatch us out of the Father’s hand;
- I am more than a conqueror. (Rom.8:37) Through Christ nothing can separate us from God;
- I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (Matt.5:13-14) The way we are to live arrests the decay of society and shines in a dark world;
- I am gifted. (1 Cor.12:7,11) Gifted for service to my brothers and sisters;
- I am mighty in His power. (Eph.6:10) As Christ lives in and through me.
These are just some of the things Satan wants to keep hidden from you. Don’t allow him that degree of control in your life. Never forget that he is a defeated enemy (Col.2:15).
Our lives move in the direction of our strongest thoughts, so let’s personally commit to centre our thoughts on God’s truth, and in the process not ‘conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ (Rom.12:2)
It’s certainly something to think about!
Prayer
Father, thank you for who we are in Christ. May this knowledge shape our thoughts and lives in the days, months and years ahead. In Christ’s name we pray.
Amen.
Have a good week thinking on these things.
Pastor Barry
