Letting God Fully Have My Mind.

I recognize that Jesus often spoke about the heart. He observed how our hearts can lead us astray. That the heart can be wicked and deceitful at times.

But what about our minds?

Actually, Scripture also often speaks about this.

And it warns us about the importance of where we allow our minds to focus.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (ESV).

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”  Romans 8:6 (ESV).

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

We are called to be obedient to Him in ordering our thoughts. Yet this is often the last thing that I do.

I often find myself simply letting my mind “float” as I go through my day. I allow it to process and be influenced by everything that I encounter. Often, my mind can go off on lengthy wild flights based on something that triggered a thought response or a series of thoughtful responses. And it somehow all feels natural —- but it isn’t! My metaphor for this process is like being in a canoe that is simply being carried along by the water it is floating on. It can be deceivingly pleasant for the passenger. But we are missing the fact that we are not actively involved in steering that canoe. Where we inevitably go/end up is strictly based on the water flow that is carrying us along. It could be good – it could be not so good. We have no investment in the journey.

That is NOT how God wants us to do life.

We need to encounter all that is happening around us with intentionality that is rooted within His will for us. So, Jesus must be in our thoughts and mind. But not just as some random concept that we occasionally consider. We must give over our minds to flow through Him at all points of usage. From the moment of our waking to our final laying down, we need to have Jesus fully integrated into all we think.

But how?

A blog that I recently read on The Biblical Foundation website listed these suggestions to assist you to “Keep Your Mind Stayed on God:”

Be mindful of your consumption of the “Things of This World.”

What we digest throughout our day will fill our thoughts. If we are not mindful, we can become lost in things that do not offer any room for Jesus.

We must not lose Him at the centre of who we are and what we carry around in our heads.

READ THE WORD

This is the essential tool to steer us to God.

Develop good habits that help you be in the Word and have the Word be in you daily. Remember, it’s not about volume; it’s about consistency.

SPEND TIME WITH GOD IN YOUR SECRET PLACE

Make time to be alone with Him. He is relational and desires us near Him. Going quiet is not something we do naturally. Therefore, He can become blocked from us. Keep reconnecting.

PRAY CONTINUALLY

Be it short, more drawn out, specifically directed, or simply general —- let yourself pray for all things in all ways.

In that connection, much peace can be gained. Take time or make time throughout your daily journey.

THANK HIM

A heart of thanksgiving allows us to realize that He is Provider. That He is enough. And in all things, He works for our betterment. Who He truly is can fade if we are not careful to be reminded that He is always at work and worthy of praise.

SING PRAISES

Let yourself glorify Him and all He has done, is doing, and will do. Press in on Sundays during corporate worship and throughout the other days with songs of worship and praise.

FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER

Gather with others. We can lift each other’s spirits and be significant support for one another in times of need. These times can bring much joy and peace.

TAKE TIME TO FOCUS ON HIM.

At several short moments throughout the day, just let your mind consider the Lord. All He is and all He has contributed to in your life and those around you.

DO ALL THINGS UNTO THE LORD.

Brother Lawrence spoke of doing all things (no matter how small or mundane) as worship unto the Lord. This brings “continual communion with God” into our daily efforts.

Jesus intimately understood the relationship that needed to be built. He was governed in His daily coming and goings by His mindful relationship with His Father. And then He encouraged us to follow this one central tenet:

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (ESV).

May it be so!