Many times when someone is struggling or going through a rough time, we will say “You are in my thoughts”. It means we are not just thinking about them, but thinking about them with empathy or sympathy. It can mean they are someone special who will continuously be on our mind.
Sometimes we may tell people, “You are in my prayers”. That goes deeper. That means we are praying for their struggle; we are asking God to comfort them during their difficult times. It means we care enough to go beyond ourselves to the One who is really in charge.
It is important to realize the power of thoughts versus the power of prayer in our own lives. We need to understand the LIMITED powers of Satan. Do not give him power over your thoughts. Only Jesus knows our thoughts. There are several examples of scripture verses that tell us about Jesus knowing our thoughts. (Matthew 9:4, Matthew 12:23, Luke 6:8, Luke 9:47, John 2:25).
God is all-knowing. He DOES know our thoughts. The devil does not know our thoughts. He can certainly be an influence on our thoughts. BUT we cannot let him have a stronghold there. How do I know this? Because the devil is of the world and John tells us that Jesus has overcome the world! “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Therefore, I encourage you to go deeper than thoughts in your own life today. Our mind can go everywhere. Our thoughts can be influenced by the ways of the world. It can eat us alive. But when we go to God in prayer, He hears us. He knows our minds. He wants to help us clear our minds of evil.
The mind and thoughts are powerful and are strongly influenced by the power-LESS. Sin and the devil can have strongholds on our lives, but God is stronger. God can break those strongholds – strongholds of food, relationships, drugs, hate, unforgiveness, bitterness . Anything!! Yes ANYTHING!
Paul tells us clearly in Romans 6:20 – The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
So what do we do? We give our thoughts over to the Lord in prayer.
God hears all. God knows all. God has conquered all. As you start your day with thoughts running through your mind, remember to keep prayer first. And tell the devil – out loud- to get away from you and then keep your thoughts on prayers and our God who crushes evil! Let Him help you clear your mind.
You are in my PRAYERS today!
