A Word In Season

2008 and Thinking Straight!
By Ann Doupont

May the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in the sight of the Lord! (Psalm 19:14 paraphrased)

What we think about is important. What we look at and what we hear is what will get into the inside of us.

As we start this new year, let’s make a commitment to God and to ourselves to pay more attention to these things. In 1 Peter 5:8, we are forewarned to “stay alert” because the enemy of our souls is seeking whom he may devour. It doesn’t have to be you.

As we make a commitment to God, He will help us to fulfill it. Many years ago, I committed to Him that I would pray every day, read the Bible every day, and get to a church service every week. Because of this commitment to God, He has helped me stay close to Him.

Since making that commitment more than 25 years ago, I think I may have missed about 2 days in reading the Bible. The only times I’ve not gotten to a church service was when He specifically instructed me not to go, for various reasons (a need to rest, for example).

As our hearts are changed, based on what we choose to meditate on, our focus in life is also changed. So are our words. It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word “meditate” as found in Psalm 1:2 and Joshua 1:8 means not only to think on or to ponder. It also is referring to muttering or uttering God’s Word. In other words, we are to speak God’s Word out loud.

In this new year in which we’re embarking, let’s allow the Lord to rule and reign in our hearts, starting afresh in this brand new season called 2008. As we start out the new year right, we can then trust that the rest of the year will follow in that same direction.

We need not be like others who simply make a New Year’s resolution and then fail. As we will fully commit our hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus at the beginning of this year, letting go of the things of the past, we’ll have a far better year.

Ann Doupont
www.anndoupont.org
Boise4Jesus@yahoo.com