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Alone With Our Thoughts
by Pat Gates
What
do we think about when we are alone? What are our thoughts focused on when our spirit is greatly burdened by
trials? Our strengths and weaknesses become apparent in our private thoughts and meditations. This is
a time of self-examination to see what we dwell on and the emotions these thoughts may evoke; it is a time of revelation of
our true self.
What do we dwell on during times of adversity?
Thoughts
on self?
Thinking about self is normal and perfectly fine as adversity affects us emotionally
and sometimes physically. Afterall, adversity is a problem that presents difficulty to ourselves and we must find
a way to deal with it. However, thoughts on self can be beneficial or detrimental.
• Are
we over-worrying and our thoughts anxious to where they are continually filled with fear? • Are we allowing grief to continually consume us to the point we give up
and quit functioning as a Christian? • Are
we counting our misfortunes over and over and forgetting to count our blessings? • Do we try our best to keep depression from gaining total control by not
continually dwelling on our adversities? • Are
we being fair with ourselves or are our thoughts filled with how worthless we are and there is nothing good in ourselves? • Do we dwell on how unfair life is? • Do we think about what we have learned from our adversity?
♦ Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
♦ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever
things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do,
and the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:8-9
♦ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which
also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Col. 3:15
♦ But what things were gain to me, these I have
counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,
for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Phil. 3:7-8
Thoughts on God?
Meditating on God has to be a good thing during trials, right? Absolutely, if our thoughts about
God are in line with what He has revealed about Himself. If we choose to give God man's characteristics then we will
create a god who in uncaring, unfair, and flawed. Misjudging God leads to turning away from Him and finding comfort in
one's emotions and opinions that will only bring confusion and bitterness. However, if we meditate on what the word
of God has revealed, we will take comfort and find strength knowing we have a God who cares about His creation.
• Are we only
dwelling on God's power and feeling anger that He doesn't use it to answer our prayer? If we are tempted
with this thought, let's ask ourselves: How do we know God isn't using His power? He works according to His wisdom
and created laws in His time. Our Father is also seeking our spiritual good as He wants all men
to be saved.
• Do we meditate on all the characteristics of God: His nearness,
mercy, power, wisdom, justice, love, desire for our salvation, and compassion?
• Do
we remember scriptures and meditate on them?
• Do we dwell on the greatness
of God and the insignificance of ourselves without God? Do we dismiss God from our thoughts and continually dwell on what
are we going to do and worry about the future?
♦ The wicked in his proud countenance does
not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psa. 10:4
♦ When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You
in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. Psa. 63:6-7
♦ I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on
all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? Psa. 77:11-13
♦ Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed. I remember the
days of old;
I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Ps 143:4-6
♦ Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares
for you. 1 Pet. 5:7
Thoughts on Others?
• Do we re-live the
bad things others have done to us or said to us?
• Are we filled with bitterness and
continually think how others have ignored us in our time of need?
• Are we meditating
on what we have gained in our loss and making plans to help others in the future who may be suffering in a similar way?
• Does envy take over our thinking?
• Do we remember
the good others have done for us and have gratitude in our hearts?
♦ A sound heart is life to the body, But
envy is rottenness to the bones. Proverbs 14:30
♦ You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?
You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit
adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking
the law? Romans 2:21-23 (We could add, "You who say no one does anything for you, do you do for others?")
♦
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil. 2:4
Thoughts on God's word?
• Do we meditate on
comforting scriptures of hope and peace?
• Do we ignore God's word in our thoughts
and think about advice we heard on Oprah or read in a magazine?
• Do we lift ourselves
up from the ravages of our tribulations with spiritual thoughts?
• Are we examining
ourselves, according to scriptures, to see where our heart is placed, whether tied to this earth or to heaven?
• Do our thoughts reflect a faithful child of God or the worldliness of being self-reliant?
♦ I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word. Ps. 119:14-16
♦ The wicked in his proud countenance does
not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psa. 10:4
♦ I have
more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. Ps 119:99
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation
of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Ps 19:14
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