Love Thinks No Evil

 

I'm learning once again that apart from God's life within my heart it would be impossible to live out the love verses of 1Corinthians 13.

It's pretty easy to think unlovely thoughts if we take our eyes off the Word and our beautiful Savior.

One way for me to reign in my thoughts is to simply keep busy with the needs of my own family and home. 

When we work with our own hands and mind our own business as 1 Thessalonians 4:11 tells us we can concentrate more on the moment, keep a clearer head and live in peace.

I know others are determined to live this way also..... praying and then getting to the tasks of life.

Making the decision to keep evil thoughts out of our minds takes a determined effort.

We know evil exists and we know it causes great harm, many times to innocent people.

Such facts can make it seem impossible to think no evil.

I've often thought up some things I would like to see God do to evil people, especially evil people who harm little children, the elderly, or harmless animals. Yet I know these thoughts are not where God would have my focus.

I think if we're honest all people feel this way from time to time.

God has not always done what we think should be done.

I still trust Him, even though He hasn't given me His answers or perspectives on certain situations.

I've learned, and continue to learn, that the best way to keep my mind from thinking evil against others is to simply go to my heavenly Father with each thought. 

Sometimes He has to forgive, cleanse and restore my thoughts and heart numerous times before I secure victory in my mind.

Sometimes I simply sit with Him in my sorrow or tears and rest in His presence concerning ongoing situations that are  wrong and creating problems.

I'm not God. I am not all powerful or all wise.

So, sometimes I stay in God's presence until my mind can rest.

I find peace knowing that God will work His will in His time.

Psalm 73 reminds us that our feet can almost slip when we observe the arrogance and prosperity of the wicked who have callous hearts and wicked imaginations.

The Psalm writer says he  thought perhaps he had kept his own heart pure in vanity because the wicked seemed to get away with what they are doing.

That is....until the Psalmist entered the sanctuary of God.

Once he took time to enter God's presence and became aware of His holiness, his heart changed.

He pondered the end of the wicked.

Their final destiny is to be "swept away by terrors." God will "destroy all who are unfaithful to Him."

Not a happy ending.

Yet, His children  who draw near to Him will find Him to be their refuge.

Dear ones, we are observing evil. We are living in the midst of it. Yet, our Father asks us to bring every thought into submission to Him.

There are reasons for this.

We are to live abundant lives. Jesus paid the price for us to live abundant lives.

We are to keep our minds peaceful. This cannot happen if we allow evil to influence our thoughts via our eyes or ears.

There is a lot we can think about. 

It's our choice what enters our eyes and ears.

Its our choice to hate evil while still praying for those caught up in it.

It's our choice to firm up the truth in our own minds so we do not fall victim to the foolishness of our day.

It's our choice to pray and trust every Word of God no matter what storms may come.

It's our choice to be strong and courageous because we know God has not given us a spirit of fear but He has given us power, love and a sound mind.

I've heard some say they feel they might lose their mind in battle. God says "No!" .....He has given us a sound mind. Don't believe the enemy's lies. We can put on the helmet of salvation so our minds remain strong and faithful to the end.

Our destiny is in God's Hands. He has a beautiful future prepared for us in glory, and all our needs on earth will be cared for by our loving Father.

Our Father loves us.

He told us that we would have tribulation in this world but we are not to fear because He has overcome this world.

Jesus is Victor.

Remember that.

Say to to your heart every single day 

Jesus is Victor.