Keep Your Thoughts Pure!
Our thoughts and perceptions of life should always align with God’s Word, for it reveals the true intentions and divine plans for each of us. In the book of Jeremiah, God unveils His heart, declaring, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). These words should consistently reside within our hearts and minds, directing us toward faith, hope, and love.
It is essential to recognize that God’s thoughts vastly differ from human thoughts and those of our enemy. Scripture explicitly states, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). Our expectations should therefore not merely be optimistic but deeply rooted in God’s promises rather than the fears and prejudices of this world.
We frequently become trapped in negative expectations and worries, forgetting that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. When facing difficult circumstances, akin to those endured by the Israelites in Babylon, God urges us not to lose hope but to strengthen our faith, build our lives, and trust in His purposes. He instructs us, “Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit” (Jeremiah 29:5).
In this command, the Lord teaches us to continue living fully even amidst the toughest situations, refusing to be stalled by temporary troubles. It is crucial to understand that, despite any trials, God’s intentions for us are always good. The Lord did not promise a trouble-free life; instead, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
This underscores the importance of monitoring our thoughts carefully. Negative thoughts that fuel doubts and fears should prompt us immediately to turn back to God’s Word, which contains life-giving hope. Our minds require continual renewal through Scripture so that our thoughts align with His truths, rather than being dominated by worldly anxieties and stress.
The Gospel of Luke provides a poignant illustration through the story of two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha was overwhelmed by numerous household duties as she prepared to host Jesus, while Mary chose the better part—sitting at the feet of Jesus to listen to His teachings (Luke 10:38-42). This story serves as a powerful reminder not to allow worldly concerns to distract us from what matters most: being in God’s presence and receiving His Word.
When consuming spiritual nourishment, we should set aside all worldly worries and concentrate on what God is doing, because His Word will inevitably bear fruit. The presence of God brings peace and clarity, enabling us to discern His will and intentions for our lives.
Moreover, the Lord emphasizes the importance of prayer and blessing the place where we live. Instead of criticism and negativity, we must bless our leaders, pray for our cities and nations, recognizing our well-being is linked to their prosperity: “And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace” (Jeremiah 29:7). This is particularly relevant today when negativity and disbelief are pervasive.
Additionally, we must remember that no one knows the exact day of the Lord’s return, and we shouldn’t waste our energy attempting to pinpoint it. Instead, we should remain vigilant, pray, spread the Gospel, and demonstrate God’s love to others. “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). Our calling is not to speculate on times and seasons but to live a meaningful life rooted in faith and service.
We need to realize that our circumstances are not permanent; God is always with us, guiding us through every challenge. While walking through the valley of tears, we are not to settle there but instead uncover wells of blessings and strength. The believer’s journey is one of overcoming, not defeat. God calls us to think according to His perspective, embrace His promises, and trust fully that He will fulfill all He has spoken.
Finally, it is crucial to understand that our blessings are directly connected to our thoughts and words. When we think according to God’s principles, our blessings grow stronger and more abundant. Conversely, when we adopt worldly thinking, our blessings diminish. May our thoughts continually reflect God’s truths, His love, and His mercy, allowing His perfect will to abundantly manifest in our lives.
Pastor Oren Lev Ari