Try to stay still for a few minutes in a quiet room alone. What comes to your mind? The endless list of the things that you will have to do today? Your jam packed schedule? Your worries over how to resolve an issue you are facing? Your regrets about what transpired in the past?
When we allow our minds to wander off, we can start thinking of a lot of things that range from what we want to deal with, and what we want to avoid dealing with. We may get anxious, worried, lonely, and even desperate when we dwell on negative thoughts. At the same time, when we think of things that make us happy, or even those that only evoke neutral emotions, we feel more relaxed.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the early church to discipline their minds, as he taught them how they could possess God’s peace and joy even during difficult circumstances. In his letter to the Philippian Church, he urged believers there to choose to keep in mind things that are uplifting, instead of those that will weigh them down.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
Present-day believers like us should take a cue from St. Paul’s advice. In today’s age where we are constantly bombarded with things that do not add value to our Christian life, information that only causes distress, and entertainment and content that go against biblical values, we could find ourselves mentally stressed if we just allow our minds to take in and dwell on everything that the world feeds us.
We should instead be smart enough to discern what is beneficial to our thought and spiritual life, and which ones will only wreak havoc into our otherwise peaceful existence. Hard as it may seem, we should take another one of the Apostle Paul’s advice to not get carried away with trends and instead renew our minds and align it with that of God’s will for us.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
When we over consume social media content to the point of reading even contentious replies in every post, we find ourselves distressed. When we focus on our past mistakes that are responsible for the trouble we are currently in, we get depressed. When we unnecessarily worry about the problems that might take place in the future, we give in to anxiety.
Our Heavenly Father does not want this kind of life for us. He did not create us to live a restless existence because of the uncontrollable thoughts that rob us of our peace and sleep. Instead, God wants us to have an abundant life that is predicated in the joy and peace that only He can give.
He gave us His only Son so that through His death, we can be reconciled to Him, and we can get rid of the sin, guilt, and shame that keep us from calling Him our Heavenly Father. All we have to do is to surrender our life to Him by obeying His commands, make Him our Lord, and step away from our sinful life.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Once we have God’s peace we have to intentionally protect it by disciplining our mind. By learning to focus on what’s ahead instead of looking back into what could have been, or looking at what others have, we can avoid unnecessary meltdowns and mental issues that will keep us from enjoying life and living a life of worship.
We also need to reassess the content that we consume, the friends that we hang out with, the entertainment we go for, and our overall thought process. We should intentionally strengthen our close relationship with God by spending more time in His word, and in His presence. It is also best to surround ourselves with fellow believers, and those who can help grow our faith. We may also want to busy ourselves with endeavors that could help others know the truth about Jesus and the Gospel.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
Disciplining our mind takes a lot of effort, but it is doable and the benefits are just immense. When you know that deep down you are trying your best to please God and do what He says will bring a deep sense of security, joy and contentment in your heart that will keep you at peace even amid trials.
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 4:4-9 and Psalm 1:1-6 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Is your mind disciplined enough to not dwell on negative thoughts? How can a healthy thought life and spirituality lead you to a more peaceful existence?
Conversation with the Lord: Father God, thank you for telling us the ways to keep the peace and joy that only you can give. Please grant me the strength to discipline my mind, and choose to think of things that can only enrich my thought process, and help me live the abundant life you have promised. Please give me the grace to strive for this by coming to you and meditating on your words. Amen.
