J Heinrich Arnold-Freedom from sinful thoughts.pdf

FREEDOM FROM SINFUL THOUGHTS - P R A Y E Ranswer is to stop thrashing and to listen for God’s voice.Too often we pray only for what we desire and forgetto ask God what he wants of us at a particular moment.We forget the mystical wisdom expressed by Jesus inthe words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Mt. 5:3).Poverty of spirit means emptiness and silence, honestyand humility; it has nothing to do with the tenseness orturmoil of churned-up emotions. It means readyingourselves for God as we truly are – as poor, wretchedsinners – rather than “fixing ourselves up” for him.God knows our inner state, and there is little use intrying to improve its appearance. Clearly, fixingourselves up is nothing but foolishness. So is trying toimagine how God wants us to be, and hoping that byentering a godly frame of mind he is more likely to hearand answer us.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayerand petition, and with thanksgiving, present your requests toGod. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, willguard your hearts and minds in Christ (Phil. 4:6–7).God will always answer a genuine prayer, though hemay not respond right away. Daniel prayed earnestlyfor the forgiveness of Israel’s sins, yet received noanswer for three weeks. Then an angel appeared to himin a vision and said:46