Thoughts That Disturb
Look above disturbing thoughts to God's infinite goodness and cling to Him in love despite frailties and falls.
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of seeking comfort in God amidst the multitude of troubling thoughts and temptations that may disquiet us. She encourages fixing our eyes on God's infinite goodness, relying on Him with faith, patience, and trust, as He blesses those who do so. Tileston reminds us that disturbing thoughts usually do not come from God, advising us to put them away and place increased trust in Him while distrusting ourselves. She reassures that where there is love for God, He is present, never allowing a soul that clings to Him in love to fall completely away.
Text
In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul.
PSALMS 94:19
OH, listen then, Most Pitifull
To Thy poor creature's heart;
It blesses Thee that Thou art God,
That Thou art what Thou art!
FREDERICK W. FABER
WHAT the particular thoughts or temptations are that disquiet you, I know not; but, whatsoever they are, look above them, and labor to fix your eye on that infinite goodness, which never faileth them that, by faith, do absolutely rely and rest upon it; and patiently wait upon Him, who hath pronounced them all, without exception, blessed that do so.
ROBERT LEIGHTON
Thoughts that disturb and trouble us seldom come from God. It is generally best to put them away, and throw ourself, with increased trust in Him and mis-trust of self, at His feet. And never forget, amid whatever may befall you,--dryness, coldness, desola-tion, and disappointment, consciousness of many faults, and of great weakness, and want of faith,--that where love is, there God is sure to be. He never yet has suffered any soul to fall wholly from Him which, amid all its frailties and falls, clings to Him in love.
H. L. SIDNEY LEAR
Sermon Outline
- Look above disturbing thoughts to infinite goodness
- Put away thoughts that disturb and trouble
- Remember God's presence in love
- Cling to God in love despite frailties and falls
- Fix your eye on God's goodness
- Rely and rest on God's goodness
- Throw yourself at God's feet
- Increase trust in God and mistrust of self
- Where love is, God is present
- God never suffers a soul to fall from Him
Key Quotes
“Thoughts that disturb and trouble us seldom come from God.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“He never yet has suffered any soul to fall wholly from Him which, amid all its frailties and falls, clings to Him in love.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Where love is, there God is sure to be.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- When faced with disturbing thoughts, look above them and fix your eye on God's infinite goodness.
- Increase trust in God and mistrust of self to overcome doubts and fears.
- Cling to God in love, even in the midst of frailties and falls.