“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” –John 14:1 (NLT)
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after He told them He would only be with them a little longer. He knew the appointed time for Him to return to God was coming quickly. Jesus did not want their hearts to be troubled while they waited to be reunited with Him in heaven. They needed to trust God in everything.
Jesus knew the disciples would be sad and scared of being alone, so He stressed the importance of trusting in God. He wanted them to have a positive attitude, trust, and not dwell on the negative.
This same message applies to you and me! Jesus does not want our hearts to be troubled. He encourages us to trust in God!
How many times do our thoughts go to the past and the mistakes we have made?
How often are our thoughts stuck on the what-ifs and the negative?
How often do we forget God’s immeasurable love for us?
Our thoughts influence the way we live and how we view life. Our thoughts are like an airport control tower of our bodies. That is good news because we can choose what controls our thoughts. There are all kinds of messages and thoughts that bombard us.
Photo courtesy of Hayden Wyker under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
What should we strive to think about?
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. –Colossians 3:2 (NLT)
When we keep in mind that heaven is our true home, and the things of this world are only temporary, we can keep our thoughts focused on the eternal.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! –Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
When we consciously try to think about God and the promises He gives us through His Word, we experience perfect peace, and we grow in trust. God wants only the best for His children.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” –Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
Jesus is reinforcing the importance of keeping our thoughts and focus on the present day and time. We should take one moment at a time, be truly present, and not be anxious about tomorrow.
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. –2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
This passage encourages us to know that even our thoughts should obey and focus on Christ. We have the power to seize and take control of our thoughts as Christ reigns victoriously in us. When ungodly thoughts threaten to overtake us, we need to bring them to Christ. He can help us filter our thoughts with God’s Word and power in our lives.
Photo courtesy of Church Iglesia under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
We have the power to change our thoughts if they are not what they should be.
As you go about your week, consciously consider your thoughts…
- Be proactive with your thoughts.
- Be reminded of God’s promises.
- Be positive and trust God.
- Be at peace knowing God is in control.
- Take captive your thoughts focusing on Christ.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. –2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
*Note: I will most likely take a few week’s break from writing fresh thoughts to hopefully include some time away with the Lord. Feel free to come and check out any posts here in the meantime. God bless~
Your writing is so inspirational and uplifting. You have a gift. Thank you for sharing! Enjoy your break time!!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Vickie! That is a gift to me. 🙂 I appreciate you faithfully reading. I am happy to say book #2 will be published within a few months! God is so amazing with how He orchestrates everything~ Blessings to you and your family.