It is too easy to let my thoughts and my ways follow my feelings and my own distractions. I have never been one to feel just a little bit. I kinda go all out when I do things, for the good or for the bad, it’s who I am. I feel big, think big and do most of what I do two-feet-in.
So when I think something, I can find myself twisting it over so many times in my mind that the original thought is no longer identifiable. Thankfully God gives me a new way to think through His life-giving Word.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
He doesn’t think like us or act like us. He has higher thoughts, loftier thoughts, thoughts that contain the big picture of His perfect glory. His ways are far different. His ways are always life-giving and never sinful or selfish. His thoughts and His ways never fail and cannot be thwarted.
This divisive-over-anything type culture perceives we think we know what is best and that our own ways are always wisest. But God comes to the surrendered believer and reminds us through His Word how very different His thoughts and ways are.
How do we, with the mind of Christ (according to Philippians 2:5) begin to think and thus make our ways like His?
First, we renew our mind. Romans 12:1-2 tells us that we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That is we identify the lie we believe about God and/or ourselves and we replace it with Truth, which is the Word of God. When we are memorizing Scripture and turning Truth over in our mind rather than lies, we will speak differently and act differently.
Then, we walk in His ways. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that when we trust the Lord with all our heart, not just partly as I can be prone to do, and we lean not on what we understand. But rather, lean on Him and seek to recognize Him in everything. Then we walk in His ways, which are forgiving, loving, and speaking truth, even if we don’t understand why.
Teach me Your ways, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11)
The place to begin is in the Word. Drop your email below for a simple Bible Study method to get into the Word for yourself each day!
I’m so grateful that God’s ways are not mine. I can just imagine the wreck I’d make of everything by following my feelings and emotions. But He knows all and is in control. Great post
Amen, same here!!❤
I’m still learning this act of surrender. As I get older, I realize there is so much I don’t know rather than the other way around! Thankfully, He is gentle and loving even when I push my own agenda. I resonate with over-thinking too, and twisting the thoughts to a place that is very unproductive. Yes, thankfully His word can replace our over-thinking mind.
yes! Grateful for the Word and His desire to renew our thoughts ❤
I was walking down the street
one fine and lovely summer day,
when I did perchance to meet
the Lord my God, going my way.
He tipped His hat and said hello,
and asked if He might walk with me,
and I said, “Well, God, you know,
that’s a choice that’s too easy!”
Side by side, our footsteps tapped
on the warm dry paving-stones,
and in the process, while we rapped,
I felt unease within my bones,
and quickly then came God’s suggestion:
“You’re walking in the wrong direction.”
Good words to ponder. Andrew. Although I pray that if I am walking with Him, then I am walking in the right direction 😉
Continuing to pray for you!
Teach me YOUR ways, Lord.
Amen❤
Thank you, Mariel. This week, I had ranted a bit about political issues on my Facebook page. I haven’t felt peaceful since. You remind us that God’s ways are so much higher than ours, and I need to spend some time with God to renew my mind and walk in God’s ways. Bless you. Karen (FMF #10)
yes, so easy to go on our emotions, same here!! It’s why I need to be constantly memorizing scripture because I NEED His thoughts and perspective in my head not my emotions. Thank you for reading and commenting. ❤
Sometimes I think it would be so much easier if God did what I think he ought. I’m so glad that He doesn’t because I would be in a world of hurt if He did. Thanks for your words. FMF neighbor #13
Yes, so grateful He doesn’t think or act as we think or act! ❤
Yes! In such a noisy world, it’s easy to lose sight of this truth.
Indeed, which is why I need to be constantly memorizing and meditating on His word.
So true, God’s ways are not ours. I need to remind myself that his ways are always better!
yes, that is something I need constant reminder of myself too, Lesley! <3
We were recently reminded of this. We made a decision that honestly the decision we didn’t really make sense but we did it. Later because of that decision we were able to do something that we could do two other places but we could. I know it sounds vague. It taught me to be seeking God’s direction in all our decisions. God knows the big picture and all I know is this minute and even that is not much.
Beth, what a good and needed lesson to learn! Seeking His direction in all our decisions is so huge yet so easily forgotten. Thank you for reading and commenting. ❤
Such a good lesson – I call those thoughts “obsessive thinking” – it doesn’t mean I think well – but that I think too much over “worrisome” stuff – I had to learn to shut off my mind – to replace it with trust in God! I am amazed at how well I wind down to sleep at night once I learned to switch off that “obsessive thinking” button! His ways don’t keep us up at night worrying! Thanks so much reminding! Wise words!