O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. —Psalm 139:1-2 ESV
Have you ever searched for a product on your phone or laptop only to be bombarded by a myriad of adverts for that product when you open other apps moments later? These ads pop up from well-known and lesser-known companies with the intent to tempt you into making a purchase.
Recently, I was discussing the life of Job with a fellow Christian. It dawned on me that only God knew Job’s thoughts and could confidently use him as a wager against the devil. God knew how strong Job’s faith was in Him and that nothing the devil threw at Job would faze him, and God was right!
However, the devil didn’t know Job’s thoughts, or at least, he assumed he did. “Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for no reason? … But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face’” Job 1:9, 11 (ESV). If the devil knew Job’s mind, he wouldn’t have bothered to tempt him.
The devil is just like those website algorithms; he studies our behavioural patterns, what we say, do, and are interested in, then uses that to suggest things to us and tempt us. He only throws out the bait and waits to see which one we bite.
The Bible tells us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV). We open the door to the devil to tempt us by the things we get involved in. “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:13-15 (ESV)
One of the weaknesses of King Solomon and Samson was women, and they were presented with them, left, right and centre. Judas loved money, and we know where that landed him. As for Jesus, the devil didn’t have a clue about His thoughts, so he threw everything he had at Him and hoped that something would stick. Unfortunately for him, nothing did. Jesus said, “…the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me.” John 14:30 (ESV)
This is why we are admonished to renew our minds continuously in the Word of God. When we are soaked in God’s word, it reflects in our words and actions, therefore denying the devil a foothold in our lives.
So, friend, be encouraged, only God knows your thoughts. Like the Psalmist, we need to constantly turn them over to Him, and like him say: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 