1794) Passive thinking is what I use to describe the thoughts that flutter through my mind as I’m trying to go to sleep. It’s interesting to me that as my mind takes me so far, I wonder, How did I think of that? Then I can trace back how one thought led to another and so on.

As I consider this, I wonder if passive thinking is always harmless. Choosing not to think through situations can lead down pathways that are grim. I have discovered one such example that is based on Romans 8:28.

In this verse, Paul tells us God does (or doesn’t do) all things for our good. If I passively read this but don’t dig in a bit, I form an image of who God is that contradicts the Bible.

When there are concerns in my life I am pleading with God about, if I just think, Okay, God works everything for my good, I can get the idea that God just sits up in heaven and says, “I’ll just wait to answer her” or “I’ll just take my time.”

If I make it a point to spend some time thinking and meditating about this verse, I discover God’s good may be involved with what could go wrong if he gives me what I’m praying for. Maybe he’s waiting because it would put me or others in danger.

Taking the time to meditate about these kinds of things makes trusting him a more desired option. Passive thinking about these kinds of things gives the Evil One a larger target to interfere with my faith.