We do not speak independently of our thoughts. Our thoughts are ruminations of our beliefs about ourselves, others, and our circumstances. In Psalm 15:1 David asked, “Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?” His answer is our mandate as well. Verse 2 says, “He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.”

The only way we can speak truth in our heart is if the word of God is hidden there. Thoughts, words, and actions are like a braid. Our thoughts lead off, our words and actions follow. They are indistinguishably intertwined. That is the power in meditating on God’s word. It becomes integrated in our thoughts, words, and actions. That is the ‘work’ of righteousness. Meditating is the water that softens the calloused flesh-areas, like a potter uses water to soften the clay so it can be worked.

A hard, callous heart is impervious to God’s word. Impervious means that it doesn’t allow fluid to flow through it. A duck is impervious to water sticking on their back. They dip into the water and fully immerse. When they come back up the water runs off. Anyone can change. The Holy Spirit, our Change Agent, dwells within us. He leads us into truth that will set us free.

Malachi 3:3 says, “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness.” God’s word has been through the fires of time. When it is hidden in our heart, it will rise up to take us through our fiery trials. As the fire intensifies, our hidden dross is exposed. This is an essential part of our progressive sanctification. No child of God is exempt.

The work of righteousness conforms us to His image. It also purifies our words because it goes deep to permeate our thought processes. It is our heart that believes unto righteousness. Our mouth speaks what we believe. The Refiner watches for the dross of erroneous thoughts to come up. We confess them as sin and receive His cleansing. Then the Holy Spirit helps us renew our mind with truth that will take its place. May our heart-reservoir of thoughts please the Lord and bring Him glory.