Preset Your Heart’s Response

As I drive down the road, I am able to change the radio stations in my car by simply pushing preset buttons. On both satellite and FM radio my preferred station is on preset button number one, courtesy of my husband. On AM radio my preferred station is button number two. Because of the preset buttons I do not have to search the dial to find a radio station of my choice. This saves my attention for the road ahead of me which is of utmost importance.
These preset stations on my vehicle’s radio take some time and effort to program. First the choice of stations has to be determined. Once these stations are chosen, they must be found amid all of the other available stations. Then finally, I must then select the preset station and push the proper button. If any of these steps were missed the process would not now be as convenient

When we have hidden the Word in our hearts, we will begin to change how we think about life. “Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11 AMP) We must take this knowledge of the Scripture and put it into practice. And then we will have truly learned the Word by doing it. “But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].” (James 1:22 AMP)

We are now ready to preset the defaults of our lives. We set these defaults to the principles from the Word of God. These principles of God can become so ingrained in our lives that when circumstances arise all we must do is look to what has already been established in our hearts. We first set our will to seek God’s ways in all things. “And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2 AMP) With this established we can predetermine how we will respond to daily life.

When trials and difficult situations make their way into our path we must remember to, “Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.” (James 1:2 AMP) This is not the natural minded response to difficult situations. But when we have studied the Word of God and lived in His presence, we will find that we always benefit. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)

When people have offended us, whether we have a justifiable cause or not, we must refuse to take offense. “Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.” (James 1:19 AMP) Instead we can preset our response to be quick to forgive. “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].” (Colossians 3:13 AMP)

In all things we must remember that God always has a good plan. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 AMP) When we understand this we realize that good things are in store for us. “Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].” (James 1:17 AMP) We preset to expect good from our Father.

We have no idea of the plans God has for our future. “…What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].” (1 Corinthians 2:9 AMP) So with confidence we can remain thankful and joyful in everything that comes our way. “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP)
There are many ways to respond to life’s situations, but God’s ways are always best. Once we have chosen to seek God in all things, we can find His will and then preset our hearts to respond according to God’s precepts. We can then focus on the all that God wants to lead us into.

Choose ahead of time how you will respond to life situations. You will be blessed with all the benefits of obedience to our Heavenly Father.