Renewed Thoughts by Pastor Karena Lout

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every high thing that exalts itself above the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corin. 10:3-5     The Apostle Paul uses militant language like “waging war” because there’s often a very real battle in our minds. My compassion tank is full for those who have felt stuck in destructive thought patterns. I’ve struggled with this myself and know the pain and isolation that can accompany it. The good news is that God has provided a way out. I believe the area of your thought life that you feel the most attacked in, will be the area you will have the greatest victory!     I love that Jesus invites us into a participatory relationship with Him. He uses present tense action verbs throughout scripture (renew, set, take hold, do). "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the Earth.  For you died and your life is hidden with christ in God." Colossians 3:2 The word “set” means to make an ongoing decision. Jesus invites us to live out on a daily basis what He purchased for us on the cross. He has provided new mercy and grace every day that we can grab hold of, to take thoughts captive before they become a stronghold in our lives.     In 1 Samuel, David was anointed to succeed Saul as king. But soon after, he finds himself on the run from Saul and his enemies. He hides in the cave of Adullam. Most archaeologists believe the cave wasn’t far from the place where David killed Goliath. He went from being celebrated, to hiding like a criminal. David’s family followed him to the cave, along with men who were “down and out”. David became the leader of 400 men there.     There are a few things about this story that I think are vital for us when we’re going through difficulties. It’s important we don’t isolate ourselves. Allow those who love you to come alongside you and remind you who you are when you can’t see it for yourself. The cave can be a place we fall into despair, allow our thoughts to spiral and become a victim of our circumstances. OR the cave can be a place where we lean into God’s faithfulness and love for us and grow through the pain and struggles. Adullam means Refuge. God was David’s refuge and help in times of trouble. When he faced hardships, he continually submitted his thoughts to God because he knew how vulnerable his thought life could be during those times. “Search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24

Getting victory over our thought life cannot be done in our own strength. It’s by His Spirit that our minds are renewed. Our part is acknowledging our need for God on a daily basis. We can’t do this without Him! I pray that you would hear God’s good, kind and loving thoughts toward you today. I pray He would calm the tumultuous waters and that the traffic in your mind would come to a stop. Jesus provides peace and rest for the weary. Listen to the heartbeat of Heaven for you today.                                                     Love,                                                          KARENA