Minding Your Thoughts
A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life
Psalm 31:12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
King David was called “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (II Samuel 23:1), it was David who wrote Psalm 31. Do yourself a favor and read this Psalm today. It is a startling glimpse into the heart, fears, and insecurities of a king. In verse 12 of this Psalm David said, I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind… Ironic, here is a king who, in his mind, is forgotten. He is lonely, he is scared, he is insecure, he is having difficulty in his mind. Yet, through it all, he knew enough to continually call upon God to help him and protect him.
Sometimes in life we get very confused, the battle rages and we think the worst. Isaiah said, For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. (Isaiah 9:5). Not only did David have real trouble outwardly, this Psalm was probably written during the time that David was being persecuted by Saul, but there was also internal trouble.
That internal battle in David’s mind became so severe that he thought others totally forgot about him, as if he were already dead and buried. Certainly, this was not based on truth, for David had many who were loyal to him and loved him. In death he certainly would be, and is, remembered by all generations of the Hebrew people as the one who performed many heroic acts on behalf of their beloved country.
Yes, he had enemies, but he also had loyal supporters. The next time the thought enters into your mind that no one cares, or that no one remembers you, or that your life is not important, remember this truth: those thoughts in your mind are not based in fact, it’s just a skirmish you must battle through. Someone loves you, someone needs you, someone remembers you, and someone will miss you when you are gone. Don’t always believe what you think.
May the Lord Bless and be pleased with your thought life today.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
Comments