A SECOND THOUGHT ABOUT THOUGHTS
by Dr. Glenn Mathews
In the previous article, I discussed the fact that WE CAN ONLY HAVE ONE THOUGHT AT A TIME. Here, a second thought is presented – NO THOUGHT IS EVER TOTALLY FORGOTTEN!
Thoughts are stored in the brain. Medical science has shown that when a certain area of the brain is stimulated electronically, the person being tested may revert to an earlier time of life and have vivid recollections of events, conversations – even emotions attendant to that experience. Hypnosis can be used to help people recall forgotten events. Any thought, given the right circumstances, can be recalled. Similar circum-stances, a verbal reminder, reading, listening to music, visual stimuli – any or a combination of these can bring the forgotten to the forefront of the mind. Have you not suddenly thought of a person whom you have not seen for years? Have you not heard someone say something that reminds you of an experience that happened years before? Thoughts can be recalled just by pushing a “key”, similar to calling up information stored on a computer. Sometimes such occasions are enjoyable. We should relish them. Other times, however, recalling can be negative, even painful. Old hurts will hurt again. Bad memories will still be bad. In an attempt to thwart your spiritual progress, Satan can bring to your consciousness sins that have long been confessed, forsaken AND forgiven. We should ask God to help us develop a thought pattern that is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. (Phil. 4:8)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts” Ps. 139:23
“Cleanse thou me from secret faults” Ps. 19:12 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O God, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ps. 19:14
(To be continued…)