GUARDING OUR HEARTS AND MINDS FROM SIN

For the last several days, we have been discussing the sins of the Israelites as they traveled through the Sinai desert to reach the promised land. God led them into the Sinai desert to reveal His ways and cultivate their trust in Him. However, they complained and did not trust God, although God provided everything that they needed. As a result, all the adults, except Caleb and Joshua, who came out of Egypt, did not make it to the promised land. Only their children entered the promised land through the leadership of Joshua. The Israelites were in the desert for 40 years before they entered the promised land. They could have entered it in a few days if they only obeyed and trusted God. The consequences of sin are always great, and this is the reason God is always warning us not to hide sin in our hearts. There is no sin that God cannot forgive, but He cannot forgive us if we are not willing to repent. Through the experience of the Israelites in the Sinai Desert, we learned that God cannot tolerate sin in His presence, no matter how much he cared for them. Psalm 106:43 says, "Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin."

The struggle to sin will always be a part of us because of our fallen nature; however, sin does not control us anymore because Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We can say no to sin when we are being tempted. However, when we do not walk with God daily, we become vulnerable to sin. Walking with God daily includes having our daily devotions no matter how busy our days are. We need to allow God to speak to our hearts and minds so that He can remind us of His ways and lead us to the right path. Every day is unpredictable. We do not know what we will encounter around the corner; however, when we are walking with God daily, we will be strong in our faith to deal with it. We need our God to save us. Psalm 106:47-48 ended with a prayer, "Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the Lord!"

If we want to change and have a blessed life, we must walk with God daily, trust God's promises, and be content with what He has for us. In due time, He will lift us up. Let us guard our minds and hearts from any sin that can lead us to trouble. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How do I guard my heart and mind from giving in to sin? If I am walking in sin right now, what should I do to get back to God? What are the ultimate consequences of sin?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me this morning of the importance of daily devotion, no matter how busy my days are. Please help me to be disciplined to walk with you daily, trust your promises, and be content where you have me at this time. Please help me guard my heart and mind from willful sin so that my heart will not be hardened by sin. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.