When operating a day-care several years ago, we observed the children have wild imaginations, like a dinosaur living under their bed or in their basement. Crazy. But adults also imagine things. They may imagine being a star of some sort, an argument with someone, that they heard you say something you never said, or that you are angry at them when you are not even close to being angry. What is it that shapes imaginations? Insecurities or too much pizza? The Bible gives us one clue.
Here’s a fascinating usage of the Hebrew word translated “mind”, You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you (Isaiah 26:3, ESV). The gold is found in digging, so let’s dig.
The Hebrew word translated mind here is more often translated imagination which occurs before your words are even shaped in your mind. Isaiah 29:16 uses it for the actual piece of pottery: “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it…” that the object was not shaped properly? David used this same word when he said to his son Solomon, As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever (1 Chronicles 28:9, NASB77). He later used the same word when he prayed for the Hebrews, O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee (1 Chronicles 29:18, KJV).
Here is the first gold nugget (more in the next blog). The imagination you often discount as not important is really one of the greatest gifts God has given you, and it should be entirely devoted to Him. Yes, your own imagination can misrepresent reality, be the source of greed, silly fantasies or villainous illusions and can feed mental illness. However, some of what comes from that arena of your life is priceless. Children often utilize this gift very early in their life because it provides unlimited opportunities. The imagination stage is where innovations, entrepreneurial dreams, intuitive insights or intimate relationships with God are birthed. Furthermore, everything you have can be taken away from you. But, no matter what the circumstances, your imagination can never be taken away from you.
If you bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and release your imagination to revel in who God is and the truth He reveals in His Word, you will discover HIS imaginations within you will be a major asset to your faith when facing a trial and provide a confidence rather than an arrogancy in your daily life. This is because your faith and the Spirit of God will work together in your imagination to lead you into what it is like to have His mind. You then are able to enjoy His perfect peace and abounding joy producing confidence to face any challenge in life. AND you will be much more fruitful in what you do in His name.
What have you been doing to shape imaginations that result in leaning more fully on the Holy Spirit or produce deep, lasting inner peace? Do you believe reveling about the greatness of God can be fruitful to your daily life? I’ve found doing so is slowly changing my thinking, emotions and behavior. Could the phrase stayed on Him offer more insights on this promise?