Those first thoughts

 

Article by Barbara Mims - Link HERE

 Those First Thoughts

We have little power to determine what the first thoughts in our mind will be as last night’s sleep begins to slip away with the dawn of a new day.

Reminders of yesterday’s problems, sorrows, anger, regrets, and the most pressing of tasks requiring our attention are the usual thoughts to attack the drowsy mind. The enemy of our soul starts early to discourage us.

In my last words of prayer before dropping off to sleep the night before, I try to include a request that God would minister to me in my slumber thoughts of peace, trust in Him, and perhaps even some guidance regarding problems bothering me. I should also ask Him to oversee the first thoughts when I awake.

We are instructed to arm ourselves with the “full armor of God” (see Ephesian 6:10-18). His protective gear, so to speak, is to be aware that we have a spiritual enemy who, although invisible to the human eyes, is very much a reality and will spare nothing to bring us down. 

With self discipline and perseverance we are to remind ourselves of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, scripture, and prayer. 

For me, I have found it helps in those first waking thoughts to focus on specific Bible verses to send the negative thoughts away. These are verses, maybe even just phrases, that promote trust in the Lord. These need to be words I’ve already committed to memory so they can be easily recalled before my feet touch the floor.

Of late, the ones I begin repeating to myself and forming into prayer have been the following:

This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits. (Psalm 103:1-2)

The Lord keeps in perfect peace those who place their trust in Him. (Isaiah 26:3)

Thou, Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3)

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

When God’s Words are thought and spoken, the mental attacks of Satan leave.  This prepares me to face victoriously whatever confronts me next.