Minding Your Thoughts
A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life
Daniel 2:29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.
It’s a difficult thing to control one’s mind when awake, it is impossible while asleep. There have been many nights ruined by bad dreams, confusing dreams, unwanted dreams, even dreams that create emotions that carry on after waking. Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, had such a dream. Only God through Daniel could tell the king the thoughts that came into his mind while he was in bed. His dreams were not “bad dreams” but they did trouble the king. There is a reminder here for us when dreams bother us.
This entire series this year, is devoted to helping you control your thought life. To bring it into subjection to your will so that your mental health is strengthened and so that your thought life would please God. However, who can control their dreams? The answer is clear, you cannot, but God can. It was God who gave Nebuchadnezzar the dream that Daniel would interpret. Therefore, God can be actively involved in the dreams we have. If you have trouble with your dreams, realize that you alone cannot control them. Before you go to sleep, ask God in Heaven to bless your mind, to keep it stayed on Him, to block any thoughts or dreams that would cause an uneasy sleep. Do this in faith believing that He can protect your mind when you can’t.
One of the most amazing verses in the Bible, one that is underutilized, overlooked, and forgotten is small. It only has eleven words, and only three of those words have more than one syllable, and those three words only have two syllables. It is a verse so simple that it can be memorized in almost no time at all. Yet, it is so universal that every person on earth can individualize it to fit their personal issues. It has no bounds, no limitations, and no exceptions. It is a comprehensive promise from God through an apostle to the entirety of the world then and now. It is I Peter 5:7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
The next time thoughts come into your mind, on your bed or walking down the street, or in moments of sheer terror, remember, God cares for you. You can cast your cares upon Him. He invites this. He also can help with those thoughts. Perhaps He will give you a verse for direction or send someone like Daniel to help untangle your concerns, or just give you peace, assurance, or guidance through the Holy Spirit. Just go to Him.
On those occasions when unwanted dreams, or thoughts in general, cause concern, immediately start praying, even read the Bible if possible, this will help. Just prayerfully and Biblically cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
May the Lord Bless and be pleased with your thought life today
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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