On the television show SuperNanny, nanny expert, Jo Frost often explains to the misbehaving children in her care, “That is unacceptable behavior.” and then gently corrects the child on how their behavior can become acceptable once again. As Christians what we say and think, at times, can be unacceptable in the sight of our Heavenly Father. Just as a child who loves their parent doesn’t want to grieve their parent, but wants to say and do the things that please their parent, how can we be sure that the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart put a smile on the face of God? The easiest way is by running everything we want to say through the filter of Ephesians 4:29, which instructs, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) NIV.
Now that we have the litmus test for discerning how our words can please the Lord, let’s look at how the meditations of our heart can be just as delightful. Before we do though, please don’t confuse Biblical meditation with Eastern meditation which focuses on emptying one’s mind. Mediation, spoken of in the Bible, is simply thinking on something over and over. A bride to be may meditate, or think over and over again, about the details of her upcoming wedding—dreaming and planning for the big day.
So how do we ensure what we think on time and again is well-pleasing to the Lord? First it is done by avoiding unacceptable meditations. Two examples of meditations that grieve the heart of our God are worrisome or bitter thoughts. When we worry, we grieve the Lord because by worrying, we are taking the burden on ourselves to resolve our circumstances rather than trusting God with our distressing situation and confidently looking to Him to turn our situation around. Likewise, God is grieved when we think bitter thoughts about someone or some thing. Perhaps there is someone or some situation that regularly grates on us. As we think bitter thoughts, we turn our attention on our frustrations, complain why we deserve better, and quickly forget the goodness and past faithfulness of God in our life. Because God is faithful and has shown Himself faithful time and again in our life, it is no wonder why God considers anxious and bitter thoughts unacceptable behavior from us, His children.
The second way we ensure what we think on time and again is well-pleasing to the Lord is by fixing our thoughts on what does please the Lord. Thoughts that please the Lord include reflecting on His goodness and faithfulness in our life. Why? Because trials can easily distract us from remembering the countless ways the Lord has come to our rescue, been our help, or delivered us from a trial. Like every good parent, God wants us to trust Him without reservation, and make Him the #1 Person we run to for help because He loves us, knows what’s best for us, and wants to help us.
God bless you richly this week as you seek to make the words of your mouth and meditations of your heart pleasing to the Lord.
Copyright © 2010 Brooke Espinoza.
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Thank you for taking the time to share. May God bless you richly!