May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. [Psalm 104.34]
For every person who has every asked, "How can I get control of my thoughts?" we find the answer in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading.
"Rejoice in the LORD" sounds simple enough, right? The problem is, it sounds too simple. The unregenerated human mind reasons that it is too simple. And, this is where idolatry takes hold - this is where man's reason betrays him causing him to look elsewhere than to God for solutions.
Any human-concocted solution that man attempts to displace his godless thoughts with is an idol. In contrast, God, Who demands our undivided trust in Him alone, says, "Rejoice in the LORD"...
For all the people determined to figure it our for themselves, "Rejoice in the LORD"...
For all the people struggling with doubt, "Rejoice in the LORD"...
For all the people seething in hatred, "Rejoice in the LORD"...
For all the people prone to gossip, "Rejoice in the LORD"...
For all the people knee-deep in need, "Rejoice in the LORD"...
For all the people given over to selfishness (and all the depraved self-gratification it spawns), "Rejoice in the LORD"...
Had Adam and Eve stopped the thought process suggested by Satan by simply beginning to "Rejoice in the LORD"... history would look different.
Reason has no bearing on "rejoice in the LORD." In fact, if what Psalm 104.34 is accurate, then, "rejoice in the LORD" transcends reason.
"Rejoice in the LORD" defensively exalts God as the one and only solution to any and every thought of man (from whence comes every action of man).
Doesn't it make perfect sense then, that every other idol of man keeps him busy - too busy, in fact, to pause and "rejoice in the LORD"? Man's idol industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology keep man "hopping" to make ends meet distracting him from what is the core solution to every thought that gives way to every action: "Rejoice in the LORD."
God never intended that man "figure it out." And, even if we are confused by the Old Testament and all it says, should we not take Jesus' words for their simplicity? Was that not God's exact plan all along - that Jesus would bring light (clarity) and therefore salvation to mankind?
Here's what Jesus said:
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. [Matthew 6.31-34]
Worry is a thought. Whether it is a thought about what we will eat, what we will drink, or what we will wear, it is a thought about what we need or what we want. The ONLY way we will be pleasing to God in those thoughts is to "rejoice in the LORD."
The ONLY way we will effectively "rejoice in the LORD" however is if we defensively agree with His Commandments - particularly the first three:
“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. [Exodus 20.2-7]
So, what are your thoughts right now?
If, in our thoughts, we do not first control the narrative, defending Who God is and what God does ("rejoicing in the LORD"), we give idolatry and all its nasty outcomes free-reign in our lives. This explains why finance (debt), insurance, medicine and technology, in modern human reasoning, are so engrained in (inseparable from) our current lives and society. This explains why the Church today is so powerless. This also explains why all manner of sexual sin progresses unchecked. It's all part of idolatry and the Bible has been warning us of it all along.
It is hard to "rejoice in the LORD" however if we are ignorant of Who He is and what He does. This is the condition that religion without actual relationship with God renders upon mankind. "So," the question begs to be asked, "how do we know we have relationship with God?" Good question! Easy answer: Jesus!
If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]
How could such a simple answer have such complicated implications? Well, here we go... when we use our minds to reason instead of rejoicing, the complications begin!
"Rejoice in the LORD" means to unapologetically defend Who God is and what God does. When that priority is firmly established, our thoughts will please God because then, and only then, can we be focused on His Kingdom without regard for circumstances - as Jesus demonstrated to perfection.
Father, I never thought so much could be found in Psalm 104.34. But as I have come to know You and Your Word better, the clearer I see verses like Psalm 104.34. May I be found rejoicing in You so that my thoughts and my actions will please You. May I be found giving up my own way, taking up my cross, and following Jesus. So be it.
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