Minding Your Thoughts
A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life
I Samuel 9:20 And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father’s house?
What a verse! Samuel, the prophet of God, is speaking to Saul who would become the first king of Israel. Saul was looking for three donkeys which belonged to his father. For three days Saul had been looking for them and frankly had given up. He was not only concerned for the lost livestock, but now he was concerned about his father’s concern for his safety. His mind must have been working overtime. Saul’s servant told him of a seer, a prophet, that was in the city they were going through and Saul decided to ask the seer about the donkeys.
Saul received so much more than he bargained for because the man of God told him two things. One was that he, Saul, would become the desire of all Israel. The second is the subject of this devotion. Concerning the donkeys Samuel told Saul, …set not thy mind on them; for they are found.
What a relief that our mind can be eased of the trouble that so easily seems to invade our thinking. Jesus said in John 14:1: Let not your heart be troubled… this would include our minds as well in that they are inexorably tied. In John 14:27 the Lord also states: …Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. In I Peter 5:7 Peter stated: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
There are things in life every child of God should set their mind upon (His provision, His protection, His leadership, the love of your family etc.) but not trouble. Trouble has a way of occupying a mind even to the detriment of one’s mental health; our great Father in heaven does not want this for His children. There are too many verses in the Bible that promise His watch care over us. Trust in Him and be careful to not set your mind on things that He has probably already taken care of anyway. Remember, worry is interest paid on a debt that is not yours.
May the Lord Bless and be pleased with your thought life today.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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