Be Careful What You Think - Crosswalk the Devotional - January 27
Be Careful What You Think
By Debbie McDaniel
“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:23 NCV
This verse from Prov. 4:23 = so true.
Our inner thoughts, our words, even what's spoken to ourselves, it really matters. For it can hold the power to run our lives and dictate our choices. All the more reason to make sure that our "thinking" is based on Truth, on what God says.
When we fill our minds, our thoughts, our hearts with the right things, the wrong things won't have any room to enter. His Word, His Truth offers a protection, a guard over our hearts and lives, for our decisions and thoughts.
It’s not easy sometimes. The world can be really great at throwing stones, insults, and discouraging words our way. We might get off track. We get distracted. We look to other sources to give us wisdom and direction. Or to make us feel better about ourselves. Many times, we start buying the lie and speaking negativity or defeat over our own lives, and those around us. We start sinking deeper. And believing it’s all true.
God knows how vulnerable we are to attack, in allowing our thoughts and words to work against us, and in causing division or strife with others. Maybe that’s why He gives this wisdom, to set a guard, a gate, over our hearts and minds, so that we don’t allow just any thought or word to enter in.
Another version says it like this, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Prov. 4:23 NIV
- “Above all else” - with constant awareness and diligence, like a watchman
- “guard” - protect, to keep safe
- “your heart” – your innermost being, which represents the very core of your thoughts, your mind, your actions and decisions
- “for everything you do flows from it” - it is the wellspring of life, it's that vital
It’s a choice we make every day. All day. To protect our hearts and be careful with our thinking. To make sure our affections and energies are focused on the right things. To concentrate on the desires that push us towards God and along a wise path.
All of our life, depends on it.
May God help us to walk in His wisdom and grace, so that our thoughts and words, all that we focus on, would bring honor to him and strength to our days.
Intersecting Faith & Life: What thoughts do you need God’s help to change today? Ask Him to help you guard and protect your heart from wrong thoughts, defeat, and lies. Pray for His Spirit to fill you afresh and give your wisdom to hold on to His Truth.
Further Reading:
Proverbs 23:7
Luke 6:45
Mark 7:14-23
Colossians 4:6
Find more by Debbie at www.debbiemcdaniel.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
