Lord, according to Psalm 139, you know every thought before I think it:
As I begin my prayer, the psalm flies through my mind and I wonder as I have in times past, am I only an instrument in your hands? Psalm 139 assures me that you are acquainted with all my ways and goes into the details of my very existence and how you take note of every integral part of me. It is at once, comforting and disconcerting. If you know my thoughts before I think them, what chance do I have to alter them or set them aside if they are not acceptable to you? The Bible says the heart is desperately wicked, so surely my thoughts are wicked as well in your eyes.
Phil. Ch. 4:8, exhorts me to think on those things that are true, honest, just,
pure, lovely, of good report. Against these there is no law. Every thought I think must be brought to the obedience of Christ. It baffles me that I think an average of 22000 thoughts a day. How can I examine and bring every thought to obey Phil. Ch. 4:8, and especially in the world I live in?
Lord, although you know my thoughts long before I think them, I understand that I only become responsible for them when they enter into my mind. Then I can choose to apply the truth of thy word, and my thoughts become acceptable to you.
I can do so by the power of the Holy Spirit as I yield myself to him completely. He is the Sword that divides asunder to bone and marrow. He convicts of sin; guides into truth. I can be sensitive to his workings in my heart and mind and as he directs, I can repent and turn away from sins that begin in my thoughts. I can with Paul run the race by disciplining my mind and body as an athlete and win the race that is set before me.
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