I’ll tell you what’s on my mind. This morning, I was continuing to think about the confidence we can have when we pray.
I gave you a number of verses yesterday for you to think on – verses that lead us to confidently trust the Lord, so, it was no surprise to me this morning when my reading dealt with our thoughts.
“Our God, be kind and bless us! Be pleased and smile. 2 Then everyone on earth will learn to follow you, and all nations will see your power to save us.” Psalm 67:1-2 CEV
David was reminding the people of Israel of God’s kindness, protection and provisions. I smiled when I read the words be pleased and smile. The thought of God looking at me and smiling definitely put a smile on my face.
So, think on God’s kindness and His smiling face.
Then, I read Paul’s instruction to us from Colossians and Philippians.
“You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth. 3 You died, which means that your life is hidden with Christ, who sits beside God. 4 Christ gives meaning to your life, and when he appears, you will also appear with him in glory.
5 Don’t be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex. Don’t be immoral or indecent or have evil thoughts. Don’t be greedy, which is the same as worshiping idols.” Colossians 3:1-3 CEV
“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 CEV
Thinking about heaven and what life is like there gives us wonderful insight on how God wants our life to be here. When our thinking is in line with God’s character – truthful, pure, right, and worthwhile we will have God’s peace. Knowing He is kind and that He sent Christ to be our example gives us an understanding of what pleases the Father.
Knowing what pleases the Father and praying for it to come to pass here on earth gives us confidence when we pray. Isn’t that the instruction Jesus gave us in what we call the Lord’s prayer?
“We pray that your kingdom will come— that what you want will be done here on earth, the same as in heaven.”. Matthew 6:10 ERV
That begs the question: What’s it like in heaven?
“I heard a loud voice from the throne. It said, ‘Now God’s home is with people. He will live with them. They will be his people. God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain. All the old ways are gone.” Revelation 21:3-4 ERV
That’s how heaven will be!
Let me close by going back to what Paul said in Colossians 3.
“Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there” and remember God is smiling at you!