I have told the story of a vision I had of myself inside brick walls. Tall, thick, high, complex, castle-like fortress walls. Built to protect myself and keep others out. More of a self made dungeon. Brick on the sides, cement on the bottom, open air top, 1 door in or out. I envisioned myself huddled in the corner, hugging my knees, head down. But then I envisioned Jesus running to me...but so was a demonic being dressed as a man. Both competing to get to me first. Both wanting to be my "savior".
That vision was symbolic of my life at that moment. 2 paths to take: 1 very real evil or 1 very real path to safety. Pastor said recently in a sermon that your head can be a prison or a deliverance. What you allow your mind to tell yourself is what makes the difference. So fill it with God's Word. In fact, God shows us in His Word exactly how to think. He tells us "Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things". (Philippians 4:8). He also warns of the dangers of not thinking healthy thoughts. You've heard it said you are what you eat? The Bible says we are what we think. "As someone thinks within himself, so he is. (Proverbs 23:7). What you choose to see determines your reality. You have the power to change your reality by shifting your focus.
This pattern of unhealthy thinking can affect our KIDS too! In Exodus, God says "I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents up on their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected — even children in the third and fourth generations". (Exodus 34:7) While this verse can seem haunting and punishment laden, this should simply be a reminder that what takes root in our minds can echo far beyond us, shaping not just our lives but generations to come.
Let me remind you that right before the line in Exodus 34:7, God describes Himself as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” The “thousand generations” language is intentional—it shows that His mercy is vast and enduring. Compared to that, “third and fourth generations” is actually small. The emphasis is: mercy outweighs judgment. We can be held captive by the sins of our past. Thinking that's why God has said no or that's why things aren't working out. I didn't do this right or got that wrong. But listen: we have the power to change it! Paul says in his letter to the church at Corinth "we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ". (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Prayer changes things. Meditating on the Word of God changes things. Recognizing wrong thoughts and saying to that thought: "no, that's not reality" or "that's not what the Word says" or even just changing the subject and turning to worship. God gave me a new vision last night as I was praying against a very real struggle that I had allowed to take hold in my mind. As I prayed He showed me the cloudy darkness that had settled over the atmosphere, affecting my mood and changing my emotions, simply because of things I'd said and thought. As I continued to pray, God showed me His holy warring angels. Fighting on my behalf. Pushing back the darkness and bring light and freedom in the wake of the fight.
Friends, Proverbs 18:21 declares that "death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." It's that serious! Remember the childhood Bible school song? "Oh be careful little mouth what you say, oh be careful little mind what you think..." But here's the good news. The rest of the song says "...there's a Father up above, He is looking down with love..." and scripture says in Exodus 14:14 "the Lord will fight for you: you need only be still."
4 words that have changed my life (and I'm still learning to practice): Give It To Jesus. And now, also, this: Not Mine But Thine (not my will but Yours, Lord). Isaiah 60:22 says "When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen". You cannot change the outcome except by thinking and speaking negatively/fearfully against it. So give it to the One who can. The One who knows. The One who is taking care of it all. And the One who loves you more than anything or anyone.
Be blessed today all!
For more on this subject: https://medium.com/baysidechurch/7-verses-about-the-power-of-your-thoughts-8a50b8e1910f
