You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
Dear People Who Keep Company with God,
Imagination is an inspirational word. It reminds us of children playing or adventure movies, yet it is not just for the young or cinematic entertainment. Albert Einstein said, “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” He was right. God is the original Creator, and He has blessed us with minds made to create through the power of imagination. Our imagination is the Lord’s way of releasing creative thoughts into our life. It opens the door to possibilities where creativity, ingenuity, and thinking outside the box have their beginning. Everything created by humans – automobiles, airplanes, cellphones, computers, cigarettes, and pipe bombs – all began in the imagination of someone before they became a reality. We should never underestimate the power of imagination for good or evil.
The Hebrew word for mind in Isaiah 26:3 is ‘yetser,‘ which means a form, conception, or imagination. This verse tells us that imagination can be a mighty force when the storms of life crash upon our doorsteps. We can stay at peace and safely navigate instability, fear, and confusion by filling our imagination with the Lord. The Psalms reveal that King David masterfully used his imagination throughout his life experiences. For instance, in Psalm 16:8, David wrote, “I saw the Lord always in my presence for He is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken.” He was not speaking of an open vision or prophetic experience. Instead, David continually kept the Lord in his imagination; consequently, his faith in the Lord enabled him not to be moved or taken down by circumstances or opposition.
Our imagination can also work against us if we allow influences from the world, flesh, or the devil to gain a foothold. For example, scripture warns us that the flood in the days of Noah happened because of both the wickedness and imaginations of men (Genesis 6:5). Later, Moses cautioned Israel about giving in to the wrong inclinations and imagination of their hearts before they crossed over to their inheritance in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:21).
Thankfully, the Bible gives us practical ways to protect our imagination. Peter tells us, “Gird up the loins of your mind” (1 Peter 1:13). By looking at the meaning of the words gird, loins, and mind, a more literal translation is, “Guard the reproductive part of your mind, which is your imagination.” Peter likens the imagination to a spiritual womb. If bad influences find a home in your imagination, you will bear fruit that leads to loss, regret, and sorrow.
Only by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit can we guard our imagination against evil. Like David, see that the Lord is with you and for you. Remember whose you are and who you are in Christ. Reject imagery, thoughts, words, philosophies, and teachings contrary to the heart of Christ. Pay attention and obey the peace of God within you and always be thankful (Colossians 3:15). By doing this, you will experience the peace of God that passes all understanding, and the power of the Holy Spirit will protect your heart and mind.
Many Blessings, BW