Cognitive distortion is a psychological term used for erroneous thinking that leads to believing things that are not true, and thus causing actions and reactions not based in reality. In a separate article, I list some of the common ways our thinking processes can go astray (and cause us to believe lies). One of the best prevention strategies against distorted thinking is reorganizing (restructuring) our thinking according to biblical truth. Psalm 19 gives us a solid foundation upon which to build our structures of clear thinking.
Let’s look at this Psalm and begin with the ending. The final verse (v14) of Psalm 19 reads,
“May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to You,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.“ (HCSB)
The Good News Translation says, “May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O Lord, my refuge and my redeemer!” (Psalm 19:14; GNT).
Substituting the word “thoughts” for the phrase “meditation of my heart,” brings us to some remarkable conclusions. First, the thoughts in our mind and the attitudes and motivations of our heart are intrinsically linked. The direction we allow our thoughts to go will feed our desires, and the desires we choose to allow to surface will fuel our thoughts. Secondly, to avoid distorted thinking, our heart must be kept from distorting our desires. If our desire is to please God, the focus of our thoughts must be on God (as our Refuge and Redeemer).
Focusing our thoughts on God can be a challenge, as we live in a very distracting world. But soaking in (meditating on) this Psalm can help immensely. The first six verses speak of God’s handiwork in creation. The Psalmist ponders how the light and heat from the sun works to sustain the life of man on planet earth. Important to note however, is the emphasis on the glory of God. God’s glory is contemplated, and not merely nature itself. The God who fashioned creation is worthy of worship, causing the creation to bring fame to God’s name. It is God in nature that makes it beautiful and harmonious, not merely the elements themselves.
As God’s creation, man is brought together with the rest of creation. God breathed life into man as he was created from the dust of the earth. God gives man the ability to enjoy God’s goodness and God’s perfect and all-loving qualities. Verses 7 – 11 of Psalm 19 discuss some of these qualities and how they benefit us. In the Good News Translation (GNT) they are referred to as laws, commands, and judgments. They give us strength, wisdom, and trustworthy assurance (verse 7). They are always right, just, fair, make us happy when we follow them, and help us to understand life the way it is meant by God to be understood (verses 8-11).
What comes in the next 2 verses is a solemn reminder that we have been tainted by a sinful nature that entered the world through Adam and Eve.
“None of us can see our own errors;
deliver me, Lord, from hidden faults!
Keep me safe, also, from willful sins;
don’t let them rule over me.
Then I shall be perfect
and free from the evil of sin.”
(Psalm 19:12-13; GNT)
God’s laws, commands, and judgments reign supreme. Our best understanding and intentions to follow them, fall short. At least to some degree, there is no escaping distorted thinking and feeling and the accompanying sin that results. Man, in his greatest need, is supplied with God’s greatest provision. “Lord, my rock and my Redeemer” is the final thought of this Psalm.Jesus Christ is the Redeemer. Jesus is the final Word. Jesus is the Savior from all our distorted thinking and feeling. In Christ Jesus our salvation is complete. Meditating on the completeness of Jesus as our Redeemer provides thoughts for the most peaceful, pure, and pleasing posture before God. When we practice this as a daily habit, and adopt heart transformation as a lifestyle, we are changed more and more into the person we are meant to be according to God’s original design. Psalm 19:13 calls this “freed from the evil of sin.” The completion of God’s redeeming grace is a process that continues throughout our whole lives.
May I encourage you to take a few moments right now and read Psalm 19 several times, in several versions of the Bible, and allow God to renew your thinking (Romans 12:1-2). Psalm 19 is a great treatment for cognitive distortion, and the best cure for doubt and unbelief. May we live in truth, and not by lies.