 | The period before Easter has traditionally been a time of fasting and repentance; unfortunately for some this turns to morbid introspection and self-disgust; while for others it is all about self-denial and a renewed attempt to deal with bad habits. Gospel repentance is about transformation, not modification; and this new way of living starts with our thinking. ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he’ says Proverbs [23:7]; what we believe about ourselves affects how we act. |
If we want to change our behaviour, we must deal with our old thought patterns. Modern psychology has found this to be true, and behaviour modification techniques rely on the practice of retraining old mental patterns.
However, the Bible got there first; the root meaning of the Greek word for ‘repentance’ in the New Testament is to change the way we think; this is why Paul says we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds [Romans 12:2]. Our aim must be to align ourselves with God in our thoughts and words, as what we think and say about ourselves and our circumstances has spiritual power to effect change.
However, the Bible got there first; the root meaning of the Greek word for ‘repentance’ in the New Testament is to change the way we think; this is why Paul says we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds [Romans 12:2]. Our aim must be to align ourselves with God in our thoughts and words, as what we think and say about ourselves and our circumstances has spiritual power to effect change.
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,
and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
[Luke 6:45]
From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
[Proverbs 18:21]
and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
[Luke 6:45]
From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
[Proverbs 18:21]
| Alignment with God means choosing to agree with Him, think like Him, talk like Him, & believe what He says – whatever our circumstances. This is not about refusing to face reality, disregarding the facts, or living in a make-believe world; it’s about choosing faith. Scripture makes it clear: |  |
Without weakening in his faith, (Abraham) faced the fact that his body was as good as dead
– since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God,
but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
This is why it was credited to him as righteousness.
[Romans 4:19-22]
– since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God,
but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
This is why it was credited to him as righteousness.
[Romans 4:19-22]
Choosing faith when circumstances are difficult; choosing trust in His word when our experience contradicts; choosing not to blame God when we don’t understand; choosing to speak out the truth in the face of adversity – this is the way of the cross. But if we persevere we will receive the rewards.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
[James 1:2-4]
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
[James 1:2-4]
With these things in mind, over the next few weeks I will be exploring Psalm 23 in this blog. An all-time favourite, this beautiful song is David’s declaration of his faith in a good God; the challenge to us is to go beyond quoting familiar words and make it truly our own.
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Most readers seem to prefer to get in touch direct, using the 'Get in Touch!' buttons. However, one or two people have recently indicated they would like the facility to publicly comment under posts, so I have re-opened the public comment option - please feel free to add your thoughts.
The private 'Get in Touch!' option remains the same - please do, I love hearing from people......
[**Photo credits: Evan Kirby (top), Luke Palmer (bottom), with thanks]
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