November 18, 2025

Minding Your Thoughts

A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life

Ruth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Ruth was stedfastly minded about something.   She was a widow; her deceased husband’s mother was Naomi.  Naomi was about to return to her homeland; Ruth pledged to go with her.  Ruth clave unto her mother in law and would not be dissuaded.  Once Naomi realized that Ruth was …stedfastly minded… she accepted her decision, and they moved to Bethlehem Judah.  Ruth met Boaz, they were married and the rest as they say is history.  Ruth’s steadfastness of mind allowed her to meet Boaz, marry him, and have a son named Obed which became the grandfather of David the King of Israel. 

This all happened largely in part because Ruth was stedfastly minded.  My good friend and former pastor, Dr. Bob Smith, is known for saying “Never stop in doubt that which was started in faith.”  Boiled down, that statement could be communicated in three simple words “be steadfastly minded”.   Joel the prophet said, Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14)   Sometimes there is nothing worse than being in a valley of decision. 

When faced with choosing a course of action, search out all the details, pray, study the Scriptures, seek out wise counsel, commit your way to the Lord, and remain steadfast in your mind concerning your decision.  Someone once said that the hardest question to answer is one that demands a yes or no answer.  This is true.  For once a yes is given there is no possible way to change without looking wishy washy.  The same is true once a question is answered by saying no.  These two answers take much thought and due diligence.  However, if these are not employed properly, and a decision is made haphazardly without proper deliberation, the person making the decision is committed.  The only way out is usually accompanied by embarrassment. 

When you are making major decisions of life, do all that is possible to be “stedfastly minded”.  Make the commitment and stick with it. The result may be finding unusual blessings of God.  Ruth did, and so can you.

May the Lord bless and be pleased with your thought life today.

Dr. William Howe