Overflowing Thoughts

"...For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart." (Matthew 12:34 CSB)

It's long been said that there is a definite connection between the mind and heart. What we choose to put in our mind trickles down to our heart and eventually erupts out of our mouth. It's as if our mind and heart are storage tanks and once they get full, like an overflowing fountain (see picture), our words spill out into the open. These overflowing thoughts called 'words' can either produce positive or negative results impacting not only the physical world around us, but they carry enormous weight in the spiritual realm as well. In short - our words matter! They matter so much, in fact, that Proverbs 18:21 says they have the ability to bring about life or death.

With all that said, is it any surprise that the enemy relentlessly attacks us in this area? After all, his whole mission is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). If our words can produce death, can't you imagine he's probably just chomping at the bits to see what we'll say next? And wouldn't he want to use all the ammo he has available to get us to falter? Ammunition such as the world around us and our own flesh with all its desires and impulses. Is it any wonder why God's word is continually reminding us to stand firm, resist the devil, be on guard and on the alert? (Eph. 6:11, James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8, Luke 21:36). The god of this world has been assailing our minds since the beginning of time. He did it to Eve. He did it to Jonah. He did it to David. He even tried to do it to Jesus.

Since what comes out of the mouth begins in our hearts, our thought life matters. What we choose to fix our thoughts on matters. As a follower of Jesus Christ we are in this world but not of it. Which means we shouldn't think, say, and act as the world around us thinks, says, and acts. We are different, set-apart, and light bearers! It is our duty to represent Christ in everything we do and say. We set our minds on the things above, and not on the things of earth (Col. 3:2). This is not an easy assignment by any stretch of the imagination. It's far easier to gossip as the world around us gossips or argue over trivial matters as the world argues. It's much harder being the only one that's different. This is why Paul, in his letter to the church of Philippi, encourages Christ followers to think on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy! (Philippians 4:8). These are the things that contrast starkly with the world around us, but these are the things, if put into practice, will get that world around us questioning and inquiring. And when they ask why we are different, why we don't say the things they say or act the way they act - we will tell them of the King we serve and His Kingdom that's coming. If we want to reflect the light of Jesus and bear fruit, we have to start practicing how to fix our thoughts. Here are some practical ways I can suggest we begin:

1) Rely on the Holy Spirit to help you. What a friend we have in Jesus! He is our comforter, encourager, friend, and GUIDE. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5). When you encounter a thought that hasn't come from God, rely on the Spirit of God to change your thinking. He will bring to remembrance His word to help combat the weapons of the enemy. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what we think we can't do. Rely on Him!

2) Speaking scripture to the thought. We cast down every imagination and every high thing that exalts itself up against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into the captivity of obedience to Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). When the devil tried to tempt Jesus in the desert, Jesus "casted down" his failing attempts by speaking the powerful word of God. And what happened? The devil fled. (Matthew 4:1-11). Knowing scripture is our weapon!! Whenever that thought enters your mind that is not from God or of God - use God's word to fight!

3) Guard the entrance. Everything from the food we put in our body to the things we watch on TV has an effect on us. We have to be aware of what we're allowing to penetrate our hearts and our minds. We have to guard what comes in so something harmful doesn't come out.

One day we will stand before Jesus, and we will be judged on every idle word we've ever spoken. (Matthew 12:36). The overflow of our hearts must be minded. It starts with a prayer asking God to show us our hearts and the areas where we've gotten off track. He will if we pray sincerely. And when He does, trust that He'll help - because He will. You are not alone!