Yesterday morning early I carried out my normal morning routine. I arose early and deliberately spent the time seeking the presence of God.
By the way, being in the presence of God has more to do with us than with God. James the apostle told us to “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). I want to spend the first part of the day drawing near to God.
Part of my time with God has to do with reflecting on who He is and what He wants in my life and in our world.
For years (I suppose at least since my 20s) I have prayed a verse almost daily and sometimes many times during the day that has changed my life and my worldview. I prayed this verse yesterday morning as well.
I want to share this verse with you because of how God has used it to bless and change me.
The verse is Psalm 19:14. It is the desire of the Psalmist that everything he speaks and everything he thinks would be pleasing to God.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
You can see immediately why this verse prayed sincerely can change your life. It is a heartfelt prayer to God for life change that begins on the inside and moves to the outside.
My words and my thoughts (the meditation of my heart) encompasses everything in life.
Think of the power of this verse. I can’t really control what “pops” into my mind, but I can control what I meditate on. I can do what Paul described, that is, I can take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).
My thoughts under the control of God will help control the words of my mouth. Jim Denison, whom I read regularly, wrote about letting God control your thoughts.
“So ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything in your life that displeases God, then confess all that comes to your thoughts and claim your Father’s forgiving grace (1 John 1:9). Now invite the Spirit to take control of your mind and actions (Ephesians 5:18) and pray through your plans for the day, surrendering them to your Lord (Romans 12:1–2).”
When we yield our words, thoughts, and actions to God, we will see our lives change.
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