I learned a simple rule in life resulting in a powerful
outcome. The rule goes like this;
When I dwell on the thoughts of my heart, it magnifies the idea and gives it life; for better or for worse.
Think about it.
Worry is an unhealthy habit that dwells on troubles. When we worry we
magnify the trouble until we become sick. The more we dwell on the worry, the
sicker we become. Clearly not a good outcome. Who wants this kind of life? On
the other hand, today’s scripture reading suggests an effective way to dwell on
our thoughts of the heart, for it states;
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as
members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message
of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all
wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with
gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him. Col. 3:15-17
Rule in your heart?
What does that mean?
Like a baseball umpire, I learned to allow the Holy
Spirit to call or to identify my thoughts when they are healthy or
unhealthy. I do this by living in life
union with Jesus and allowing his words to live powerfully within my mind and
my heart. It’s very interesting to observe myself based on where my heart is
dwelling on. I’ll often catch myself
becoming agitated when I think on politics.
Conversely, when I dwell my thoughts on Jesus, Father God, gratitude,
goodness, scripture, or praise, I find myself at rest and at peace.
In Psalm 91:1 it states, "He who dwells in the
secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
Or even better in Proverbs 4:20
My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
For they are life to those who find them
And health to all their body.
Clearly, God is indicating that where we dwell our thoughts of the heart with Him, then he promises life, good health, protection, peace, joy,
refuge, and safety. Aren't these great
promises to rely on?
Paul gave these instructions, “Therefore let us be diligent to enter
that rest, so that no one will fall through following the same example of
disobedience.” Hebrews 4:11
I make every effort to be conscious of my thoughts and
how they affect me. It has become
obvious that my spirit must control my thoughts of the heart. I know my desires
of the flesh is not up to the job because it seeks self-indulgence.. By having a Spirit-to-spirit relationship
with Jesus, I have been given the ability for God’s word to live powerfully in
my heart so that his peace rules in my heart. By entering his gates with
thanksgiving and his courts with praise, God has given me the secret sauce to
enter his rest.
By dwelling my heart and thoughts with God, He teaches me
to see people through His eyes. For
example, if I see the person in my own eyes, I’ll see the jerk. Conversely, when I see a person through the
eyes of the Holy Spirit, I see a child of God filled with great potential,
skills, and love. By being focused on
the Holy Spirit, I find it brings life to myself and life to those around
me. It’s amazing what can happen when I
make the effort to dwell on the Words of the Lord.
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