God is definitely a difference maker! When God is involved in a situation, He always changes things for the better. In fact, He specializes in changing situations that seem unchangeable. He also changes people, transforming them in ways that only He could. If we ever try to change our own ways or those of others, we usually find that our efforts alone eventually fail. However, God is able to do a supernatural work that produces real change! Over the next few weeks, I’d like to share about five ways God changes people. Today, I’ll share how God can change a person’s thinking.
God Changes a Person’s Thinking
Psalm 73 is an interesting account written by a minister named Asaph. He fills his opening verses with complaints about how ungodly people prosper while he, a righteous man, suffers. However, throughout the course of the psalm, Asaph’s writings begin to reflect a much different tone. By the end of the psalm, Asaph abandons his complaints to God and replaces them with praise. He concludes by declaring, “It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works” (v. 28).
So what changed Asaph’s attitude? When you read the entirety of his psalm, you notice a distinct transition in verse seventeen. Before that verse, we see cries of distress, but after that verse, we find shouts of praise. What’s so special about verse seventeen? Well, there we find the key that alters Asaph’s opinion. He writes, “Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.” You see, the entire psalm hinges on the phrase, “Then I went into your sanctuary.” When Asaph entered the presence of the Lord, his whole way of thinking changed, and he was able to understand the truth.
If you take time to enter the presence of the Lord, God will change your thinking too. Paul writes about the need for right thinking in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world,” he implores, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Indeed, by allowing God to continually renew our minds, we can maintain a pattern of thinking that aligns with His will.
God can also change the thinking of others. Maybe you’re praying for loved ones who don’t believe in God or don’t take the things of God seriously. Know that God can change their entire mindset by His power! Jesus said that the Holy Spirit “will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and of judgment,” and “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:8,13). Notice that this is a work of the Holy Spirit, not our own limited human efforts. Through His Spirit, He makes the impossible possible!
So, if you’re facing a situation that needs to change, turn to God, the ultimate difference maker! Allow Him to change your thinking, and trust Him to change the thinking of others when needed. Invite God into your situation, and know that He will always bring change for the better!
Reflections 