I’ve heard this phrase used over and over again when we are offering condolences to someone who has lost a loved one or when someone is going through a difficult trying time. As Christians we know (at least we should know) of the power of prayer. When our prayers are with someone or when we are dedicating time to pray about a situation we are bringing petitions, supplications and praises before the throne of God. In these prayers we are asking God to intervene and put His providential hand on the situation.
But what does it mean to have our thoughts be with someone? Why does it matter if someone is thinking of me? Wouldn’t it be better if they would just pray? Does thinking about someone make a difference? I think it does! I think from a practical viewpoint it makes a huge difference. Let me clear it up for you with a simple example.
When someone says, I’m thinking about you it means that they are concerned about me and want the best for me. Perhaps they are brainstorming about ways to help, ways to encourage, and or ways to make things better. That means something to me, how about you? It feels good because it tells the me you are concerned about me that I have your support. (I got your 6.)
Sure, I need your prayers and I appreciate you lifting up my name and situation before the throne of God but I also like to hear that your thoughts are with me, too. I need your support, encouragement, and love. And I feel that if you are praying and thinking about me and I am praying and thinking about you then we are both obeying the principle in exactly what Paul says here:
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2