The Good Fight

 

 The Good Fight

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the LORD’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8-9

What happens when His thoughts start colliding with ours? I guess my better question would be when His thoughts become ours what happens within the direction of our lives?

It doesn't make sense in a worldly sense to replace my thoughts with the Lord’s. Mine are the exact bent towards this world that continues to persuade my heart to forget my purpose. Choose what makes me happy. You do you.  I have lived that way to discover the collision occurred even when I tried to keep that mindset. There was a reason God gave us His first command to not put any other gods before Him. He also gave me a free will to choose what to worship. It is only after I understand His heart that I will begin to understand His ways are not like mine for a reason.

To make sense of this is an ongoing process and remembering that He is God and I am not. I am not in charge. This is a fight my mind will have to remember and posture my heart will have to remain in. Not allowing my mind and heart to take over will be remembering to take every thought captive and make that obedient to Christ. 

I have been reading a book, “Renovation of the Heart” and it was talking about thoughts being travelers in the mind. My thinking and His Word is something I will always have to remember to align. The ability to take the two and dwell, ponder, and explore what God says can lead me to choose what He says is good. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

The war is fought between our hearts and minds. Can you feel that? Just let that one thought begin to travel within my mind. If it isn’t good, perfect, and pleasing and  instead is anxious, fearful, or prideful it can travel right into my feelings and lead me to the choice I make. Nothing is hidden from God. Knowing I can say out loud, “Father I am anxious about (tell Him) and then the promise of, “Father you tell me not to be anxious and I can trust in you alone.” I can take my thoughts and allow His word to be the changing factor. My inner thoughts can take on the character of Christ when I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. I become an active participant in the renewing of my mind.

It is a fight. The fight is hard but the victory is so worth it! It is faith to trust and obey. But knowing the One who goes before us in the battle is knowing our Victor King Jesus.

“The ultimate freedom we have as human beings is the power to select what we will allow or require our minds not dwell upon.” Dallas Willard

Father,

Help us to be conscious in all our ways. Align our hearts to your truth. The choice is ours. Help us to trust and obey in you alone King Jesus. Amen