Choose Truth O My Soul
by Tracy Bankuti
The Bible is an incredible resource that when tapped into under the guidance of the Holy Spirit can and will direct your every step. I recall a time as a new believer when some friends were thinking of purchasing a new car and asked our house church group to pray about this with them. My husband and I, in our immature faith, later laughed at the thought of someone asking God about something as silly as buying a car. But Proverbs 3:6 encourages us that if we acknowledge God in all our ways He will make our paths straight. As our faith matures, our understanding of God also matures, which brings assurance that God, who is a good Father, is indeed interested in and desires to be part of every decision we make.
Trouble seems to come, however, when difficulties and crises arise in our lives, causing us to forget to seek our Father through prayer and the word. It is at times like this that we are like the prophet Jeremiah, who wrote the book of lamentations. Our emotions get the better of us. His was a difficult journey with God that found him grieving over the affliction of his people, struggling with his trust in God and his own persecution. His situation was quite hopeless and therefore his need to lament was understandable.
Each day offers the opportunity to build healthy thoughts, which Philippians 4:8 encourages us to do. ‘And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise’. Also Romans 12:2 commands, ‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will.’
When combined, these two scriptures direct our path in a way which brings God’s truth and life to our spirit, soul and body. When our minds get renewed we are transformed and our thoughts about God’s will for our lives becomes a place of hope and trust!
Jeremiah made a Spirit-led choice out of his soul (mind, will and emotions) as he wrote the words of today’s Scripture. He made a decision to take his thoughts captive, despite his emotional state, recalling truth to his mind. And out of that truth he declared to himself and us that God’s unfailing mercy, faithful love and compassion are brand new this very day and available to us.
Jeremiah’s hope was in God Himself as his portion (inheritance, legacy, or reward) and because of this wonderful truth he was willing to wait on God for his future and the future of his nation.
Prayer: Help me I pray, Holy Spirit, to fix my thoughts on the things of God today so that my mind can be renewed, and my strength restored. I am choosing to trust Your word today to refresh me in spirit, soul and body. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tracy Bankuti has been part of the team at Ellel Canada East since December 2009 after coming on a healing retreat and taking the training courses with her husband George. God has miraculously restored her marriage of 35 years, her family and health and she now serves on full time team along-side her husband and daughter Allicia. She is passionate about restoration for families, enjoys teaching, ministering, playing her guitar and hiking in the forest.
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