The Picture You Carry Within

What a person repeatedly sees within can begin to influence the way he lives outwardly. The thoughts he accepts, the expectations he develops, and the conclusions he reaches about himself can affect the decisions he makes when opportunities appear. They can influence whether he prepares, whether he acts, and whether he continues when results are slow.

Scripture gives serious attention to the inner life because what becomes established within a person does not remain there. It begins to affect conduct.

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)

The Hebrew word connected with thinks in this passage is sha’ar (pronounced shah-AR). It carries the idea of estimating or forming a conclusion within yourself. We do this constantly in ordinary life. Before accepting a responsibility, applying for a position, beginning a project, or making an important decision, we usually make some kind of inward assessment. Can I do this? What should I expect? Is this possible for me?

Those inward conclusions influence what happens next.

A person who has repeatedly accepted the thought, I always fail when I try something new, may hesitate when a good opportunity appears. He may delay preparing because he already expects disappointment. Someone else may face the same opportunity with a different inward conclusion because his thinking has been shaped by what God has said. He may still recognize the difficulty involved, but he approaches it expecting God’s help as he acts in obedience.

That is why Scripture tells us to pay attention to what is happening within.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

The Hebrew word lev (pronounced lave), often translated heart, can refer to the inner person, including thought, understanding, intention, and decision. Guarding the heart means taking responsibility for what we repeatedly accept as true and allow to influence us.

Jesus made the connection between what is stored within and what eventually appears in life.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good.” (Luke 6:45)

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things.” (Matthew 12:35)

Something becomes established inwardly before it is brought forth outwardly. Thoughts become expectations. Expectations affect choices. Choices influence conduct, and repeated conduct can produce results.

This is one reason imagination deserves careful attention. Imagination is the ability to form an inward picture of something that is not presently before your eyes. That ability can be influenced by fear, disappointment, past experience, or the Word of God. A person can repeatedly picture himself defeated until that expectation begins influencing his actions. He can also meditate on what God has said until he begins seeing himself responding differently.

The question is not whether we form inward pictures. We already do. The issue is what has been shaping them.

Abraham Learned to See What God Had Promised

Abraham gives us one of the clearest examples in Scripture of God establishing an inward expectation through His Word.

God first directed Abraham’s attention toward the land He had promised him.

“And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: ‘Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.’” (Genesis 13:14–15)

Abraham was told to look.

God was directing his attention toward what He intended him to possess. Abraham could physically see the land, while the complete fulfillment still belonged to his future.

Later, God gave him another visible reminder.

“Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’” (Genesis 15:5 NLT)

Imagine standing outside night after night and looking at those stars after hearing that promise. Abraham had something visible that continually reminded him of what God had said.

The next verse is important.

“And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

The inward picture had value because it was connected to God’s promise. Abraham was not inventing an outcome and asking God to approve it. God had spoken first.

Years later, God changed Abram’s name.

“No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.” (Genesis 17:5)

From that point forward, Abraham continually heard language connected with the promised outcome. Every introduction, every conversation in which someone used his name, and every time Sarah addressed him reinforced what God had said about his future.

Romans explains what God was doing.

“God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” (Romans 4:17)

God was speaking according to His promise before Abraham could see its physical fulfillment.

Abraham still had to deal with facts. His body had aged. Sarah had been unable to conceive. Time had passed. Those circumstances did not disappear when God spoke. Abraham had to decide which information would govern his expectation.

“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” (Romans 4:20–21 NLT)

That phrase, fully convinced, describes something that had become settled within him.

Abraham’s inward picture was no longer being controlled by age or delay. His expectation rested on God’s ability to perform what He had promised.

Faith Gives the Heart Something to Expect

Faith concerns realities that may not yet be visible.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

The Greek word translated substance is hypostasis (pronounced hoo-PAH-stah-sis). It can refer to assurance, confidence, or a firm basis.

Think about something very ordinary. You order an item online and receive confirmation that the purchase has been completed. The package is not sitting in your house yet, but that confirmation changes what you do. You may stop shopping for the same item because you believe it is already on its way. You may make room for it before it arrives.

Biblical faith has a much stronger foundation because its confidence rests in God’s character and His Word.

Faith allows a person to respond to what God has said before every physical circumstance has changed.

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3)

Visible circumstances are not the only source of information available to the believer.

Paul understood this while facing difficulties.

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT)

The Greek idea behind look involves fixing attention. Paul was dealing with real problems. He had learned that those problems did not deserve complete control of his thinking.

“It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 MSG)

Faith allows God’s Word to influence expectation even while circumstances are still changing.

Noah Believed Enough to Prepare

Noah heard God describe an event he had never experienced.

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark.” (Hebrews 11:7)

His inward conviction affected his outward behavior.

He prepared.

That preparation took time and effort. Noah did not simply agree that God’s warning was true. His belief changed his routine and determined how he used his resources.

Abraham responded in the same way.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)

He obeyed because he believed.

Hebrews later describes people who were so convinced concerning God’s promises that Scripture says they had seen them while the fulfillment was still ahead.

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them.” (Hebrews 11:13)

The Greek word commonly translated hope in the New Testament is elpis (pronounced EL-pees). It describes expectation that has confidence behind it.

You can see how expectation affects everyday behavior. If someone is convinced that guests are arriving at his house that evening, he begins preparing before they arrive. His expectation affects what he does with the afternoon.

The same principle applies spiritually. What you truly expect from God can begin influencing how you prepare and how you respond.

Two Groups Saw the Same Land Differently

Numbers 13 provides an important example of inward perception affecting outward action.

Twelve men examined the same land. They saw the same cities. They faced the same opposition. Yet they reached very different conclusions.

Ten spies said:

“We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” (Numbers 13:31)

Their report revealed something deeper a few verses later.

“We were like grasshoppers in our own sight.” (Numbers 13:33)

They told us how they saw themselves.

Their inward picture affected what they believed they were capable of doing.

Joshua and Caleb had examined the same conditions. Their conclusion was different because they included God’s promise in their evaluation.

“If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us… Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land… the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.” (Numbers 14:8–9)

The difference between the two reports was not ignorance of the facts. Joshua and Caleb knew there were fortified cities and powerful people in the land. They also knew what God had said.

This raises an important question for every believer: How do you see yourself when you think about what God has asked you to do?

A person may believe God is powerful while still seeing himself as someone who can never improve, never finish what he starts, or never move beyond his present limitations. That inward picture can influence what he attempts.

God’s Word can correct it.

Meditation Changes the Way You Think

God gave Joshua clear instructions about keeping His Word before him.

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8 NLT)

The Hebrew word translated meditate is hagah (pronounced hah-GAH). It includes the idea of pondering something, speaking it quietly, or rehearsing it.

There is something practical in that definition. You already meditate whenever you repeatedly go over a situation in your mind. Someone offends you in the morning, and you replay the conversation several times during the day. You remember what was said, think about what you wish you had answered, and imagine another conversation.

That is meditation working in an unhealthy direction.

Biblical meditation turns that same capacity toward God’s Word. You read what God has said, think about its meaning, and begin applying it to your situation.

Joshua was told to meditate so that he would observe to do. Meditation was intended to affect conduct.

Psalm 1 gives the same connection.

“They delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank… They prosper in all they do.” (Psalm 1:2–3 NLT)

The person described in this Psalm continually gives attention to God’s Word. That Word begins influencing what he does.

Romans explains the effect this has on the mind.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

The Greek word anakainosis (pronounced an-ak-AI-no-sis) means renewal or renovation in quality.

Suppose someone has spent years thinking, I am terrible with money and I always will be. That conclusion can influence his spending, his preparation, and the amount of attention he gives to learning financial principles. Then he begins studying what Scripture says about stewardship and diligence. As he continues giving attention to those truths, his thinking can change. New thinking can affect his behavior, and different behavior can begin producing different results.

The renewed mind is intended to affect the way a believer lives.

“And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new nature.” (Ephesians 4:23–24 AMPC)

Paul also gave clear direction concerning what should receive our attention.

“Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind.” (Philippians 4:8 TPT)

Then he moved directly into conduct.

“Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized.” (Philippians 4:9 MSG)

Thinking and doing are connected.

What You Believe When You Pray

Jesus taught that faith has an inward conviction before the answer becomes physically visible.

“Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23)

The location of doubt or belief in this verse is significant. Jesus spoke about the heart.

Then He continued:

“Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you have it; it’s yours!” (Mark 11:24 TPT)

Faith receives God’s promise before circumstances provide confirmation.

This teaching is not permission to imagine anything we want and declare that God must produce it. Biblical faith begins with what God has said. Faith responds to His Word.

Two blind men came to Jesus seeking healing. He asked them:

“‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’” (Matthew 9:28–29)

Their expectation concerned His ability.

Their belief existed before they experienced the result.

What Is Inside Eventually Affects What Comes Out

The inward picture also influences speech.

“Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” (Proverbs 18:20–21 MSG)

People often reveal their established expectations through ordinary conversation.

“I never get a break.”

“I cannot handle this.”

“Things always go wrong for me.”

“I’ll probably fail again.”

Those statements usually have a history. They have been repeated internally before they are spoken aloud.

Words can also reinforce what a person believes because he hears himself saying them.

This helps explain why God instructed Joshua to keep His Word in his mouth while meditating on it. The words a person repeatedly speaks can help keep his attention focused.

Abraham’s name worked in a similar way. He repeatedly heard language connected with the promise God had made.

Faith-filled speech remains grounded in Scripture. We are not trying to make reality obey positive words. We are learning to speak in agreement with God’s Word rather than continually strengthening fear through our own conversation.

Faith Produces Corresponding Action

The inward picture becomes especially important when it begins influencing action.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.” (James 1:22 NLT)

Hearing the Word gives us something to receive. Doing the Word expresses what we have received.

James becomes very direct about this.

“So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power.” (James 2:17 AMPC)

The Greek word ergon (pronounced ER-gon) means work, deed, or action.

Suppose someone believes God is leading him to teach. If that belief becomes established within him, he may begin studying more carefully. He may work on communicating clearly. He may prepare material even before someone invites him to teach.

Those actions do not create God’s calling. They show that he takes seriously what he believes.

Abraham demonstrated this.

“You see that his faith was cooperating with his deeds, and his faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works.” (James 2:22 AMPC)

Faith worked together with action.

This is why an inward picture that never affects behavior has little practical value. A person can picture himself finishing a book for years, but at some point he must write. Someone may desire financial improvement, but his habits must eventually change. A person may believe God is leading him into greater responsibility, but he still has to prepare himself to handle it.

The inward conviction should produce corresponding conduct.

Present Circumstances Do Not Have to Control the Picture

The believer does not have to allow present circumstances to determine what he continually sees within.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Walking by faith means we allow God’s Word to influence our conduct even while circumstances are still developing.

This does not mean ignoring facts. Faith can acknowledge a problem accurately while continuing to believe what God has said.

Abraham knew his age.

Noah understood the work required to build the ark.

Joshua and Caleb saw the size of the people living in Canaan.

Their faith did not depend upon pretending circumstances were different. Their confidence rested in God while they faced those circumstances.

That is an important distinction because biblical imagination must remain connected to truth.

If a person has a financial problem, faith does not require him to pretend the bills do not exist. He can acknowledge the situation while allowing God’s wisdom to shape what he sees himself doing next. He can picture himself making responsible decisions, following biblical principles, and becoming more disciplined.

If someone has repeatedly failed in an area, he does not have to deny those failures. He can learn from them while refusing to accept them as a permanent definition of his future.

God’s Word gives him new material for his thinking.

What Have You Been Seeing?

It is worth asking what kind of pictures have been forming within you.

Perhaps disappointment has taught you to expect another disappointment.

Perhaps something someone said years ago still influences how you see yourself.

Maybe repeated failure has caused you to assume that improvement is no longer possible.

Those conclusions can become deeply established if they are never challenged.

The Word of God gives us a standard by which those conclusions can be examined.

Abraham had to move from what his age suggested to what God had promised. Joshua and Caleb had to look at intimidating circumstances while remembering what God had already said. Noah had to prepare for something that had not yet appeared.

In each case, God’s Word influenced the inward expectation.

This is why continual meditation matters.

You can deliberately spend time thinking about what God has said concerning your life. You can picture yourself obeying His instructions. You can consider how you would act if you genuinely believed His promise. You can allow Scripture to challenge conclusions that fear or disappointment established years ago.

Then you begin acting accordingly.

God Can Do Beyond What You Have Yet Imagined

There is another reason we should allow God’s Word to expand our thinking. God’s ability is not limited to the boundaries we have accepted for ourselves.

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 AMPC)

Paul’s language reaches beyond what we have already learned to expect.

There may be areas where you have allowed past experience to determine the limits of your thinking. You may have assumed that because something has always been a certain way, it must remain that way.

God is able to work beyond what you have yet been able to ask or think.

That does not mean every imagined desire automatically becomes God’s promise. It means our thinking should never become the final measure of what God is capable of doing.

Spend enough time in God’s Word for His thinking to begin correcting yours. Allow His promises to influence what you expect. Let those expectations affect the decisions you make when you are given an opportunity to act.

What you continually picture within can influence what you eventually do outwardly.

When God’s Word governs that inward picture, you begin seeing yourself responding according to His truth. Your thinking changes. Your speech begins coming into agreement with what you believe. Your actions begin reflecting that conviction.

Over time, those actions can contribute to very different results.

Faith sees what God has said before everything around you agrees with it, and then faith acts accordingly.