We all have those thoughts that don’t belong in the garden of our hearts.
Sometimes we intentionally pursue a negative line of thinking, and before we know it, we’ve created a rut in our minds that makes it easier and easier to think those wrong thoughts again…and again.
Other times, thoughts seem to fly into our hearts like an arrow from the enemy, completely unexpected. It shocks us, and we just stand there, not knowing what to do next. As we just stand there, the fiery arrow continues to do damage.
As I’ve battled with different wrong thoughts, the Lord gave me this phrase to pray: “I will not let that thought grow roots or bear fruit in my mind.”
I love this imagery. Sometimes wrong thoughts have quietly put down roots, but the fruit hasn’t shown up yet. And there are definitely times when wrong thoughts are putting out a bumper crop in our hearts.
We have to address those thoughts at their very root, and very quickly. Whether it’s a worn path of wrong thinking, or an unexpected attack, we must be diligent to correct it. The more I’ve prayed this prayer, the less I’m tempted to think those thoughts, because Satan knows I’m not even going to give those thoughts my attention.
I let Satan know he’s wasting his time in shooting those thoughts into my mind.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Finally, to truly correct wrong thinking, we need to replace improper thoughts with truth. The above scripture, along with Philippians 4:8 and 2 Corinthians 10:5 are great “replacer” verses. Verses like these refocus us on Christ and allow truth to grow. When truth grows in our hearts and minds, weedy thoughts find less and less places to infiltrate.
What are you letting grow in the garden of your heart today?
