Dealing With Those Dark Thoughts
The sermon teaches listeners to trust in God's revival and guidance when faced with dark thoughts, and to wait patiently for His light to arise in them.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about finding peace and joy in the midst of trouble by relying on the Holy Spirit to calm our troubled thoughts and fill us with His peace. She emphasizes the importance of waiting on God's light to illuminate our hearts and minds, keeping them clear of negative thoughts and beliefs until we can safely receive His truth. Tileston encourages believers to reject darkness, look to the Lord for guidance, and patiently wait for Him to work in their hearts, even when faced with intrusive thoughts or doubts.
Text
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou shalt stretch forth Thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me.
PSALMS 138:7
HOLY Spirit, Joy divine,
Cheer this saddened heart of mine;
Bid my troubled thoughts be still;
With Thy peace my spirit fill.
ANDREW REED
THEREFORE, in the evil hour, lie still, feel thy stay, till His light which "makes manifest" arise in thee, and clear up things to thee. And think not the time of darkness long; but watch, that thy heart be kept empty, and thy mind clear of thoughts and belief of things, till He bring in somewhat which thou mayest safely receive. Therefore, say to thy thoughts and to thy belief of things (according to the representation of the dark power, in the time of thy darkness)
"Get thee hence!" And if that will not do, look tip to the Lord to speak to them; and to keep them out if they be not already entered, or to thrust them out if they be already got in. And if He do not so presently, or for a long time, yet do not murmur or think much, but wait till He do. Yea, though they violently thrust themselves upon thee, and seem to have entered thy mind, yet let them be as strangers to thee; receive them not, believe them not, know them not, own them not.
ISAAC PENINGTON
Sermon Outline
- Trouble and Faith
- Dark Thoughts and the Holy Spirit
- Waiting for God's Light
- Not judging the time of darkness
- Keeping heart and mind clear
- Waiting for God's guidance
Key Quotes
“Therefore, say to thy thoughts and to thy belief of things (according to the representation of the dark power, in the time of thy darkness) 'Get thee hence!'” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Yea, though they violently thrust themselves upon thee, and seem to have entered thy mind, yet let them be as strangers to thee;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- When faced with dark thoughts, do not receive or believe them, but rather wait for God's guidance and light.
- Keep your heart and mind clear by not owning or believing dark thoughts, and wait for God's intervention to keep them out.
- Trust in God's revival and guidance, and wait patiently for His light to arise in you.