Rock solid thinking.

Howdy. 

Perhaps you have begun to realize your thought-life could use a little tune up …you realize how often your thoughts run into bitterness or some kind of fear about things that might happen … or you suddenly notice how critical you are, particularly of those who are the closest to you.  But just to purpose ‘Okay, I’m going to stop thinking about ___,’ doesn’t really work unless you replace the errant thought with a good one.

How to replace our thoughts?  This illustration works in offering a solution:  my canned goods are stored in a pantry; when my boys turn up their noses at the evening’s dinner offering, they know they can look on the left-hand shelf, thigh-high, and opt for some variety of soup.  Picture with me the soup label—for instance, Campbell’s red and white label.  I believe that you and I can take control of our thinking by removing the poor thought, (just like a can of soup) and putting it on a shelf, and then choosing a better thought, (like another can of soup), and focusing on that instead.

Are you worried or anxious?  Take that thought, replace it with the peace of God, which we are promised by him

<->Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  And the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds and keep them quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4.6-7  

 «The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Deuteronomy 31.8

 «"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11.28-29

Promises are significant and telling.  When someone keeps his promises to us, we deem that individual trustworthy; similarly, a God who keeps his promises to his children is worthy of our trust.  I have often viewed God's promises as 'life lines', when the way is rough, and a sure reason for hope when I might be inclined to despair.  

What do God's promises tell us about Him?  A lot.  Because he keeps his promises, he is trustworthy; and because he is trustworthy, he keeps his promises.  The nature of God’s promises tells us about his character, and also his heart toward us. 

God's promises assure us of. . . 

his everlasting, unconditional love

his character

his faithfulness

his presence

his leading and direction

his unchanging nature

his peace

his provision

his forgiveness when we repent

a home in Heaven with him.

--all of which form a foundation for faith which is resplendent with HOPE!

Let's take a look at some of the promises God makes to his children~

Do you need to know God loves you?                                                                           «God demonstrates his own love for us in this - While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5.8  «For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8.38-39 NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD. Note to self: whether or not you "feel" that love on any given day is irrelevant; it does not interrupt or change the fact that God loves you.

Do you need to make a decision?  «I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.  Psalm 32.8 «Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."  Isaiah 30.21

'Wonder if God is faithful?«Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3.22,23

Are you struggling with guilt? «If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1.9

Are you being tempted?       «God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear . . . he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  1 Corinthians 10.13

'Wonder about your final destination? «"I am going to prepare a place for you. . .I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am."  John 14.3

Just a few of the promises of God--enough to assure you that God cares when you hurt, fear, despair, worry and even just wonder.  Indeed, God's love for his children is evident by the promises contained within his Word. Praise be to God.  You can stand on his promises, and use them to be intentional in thinking solid thoughts.