“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2, NIV
“Just stop thinking about it,” my husband flippantly commented. It was as if I could flip a switch, and the issue that had consumed my thoughts the last few days would magically disappear.
If only it were that simple.
My husband's words weren’t meant to gloss over the genuine issue I was wrestling with but instead were shared to help me move past or, at the very least, refocus and reset my thoughts. Like a dog with a bone, if something gets stuck in my mind, I just can’t let it go until it’s resolved. I run down every rabbit trail of “what-if,” “what about,” or “could, should, would,” playing out multiple scenarios, often worse-case.
Unable to shake off my uneasiness, I scheduled a time to talk to my pastor. It wasn’t the first time I sat on the worn couch; a few weeks prior, I was in his office seeking guidance for the same issue. As I began to share my current struggle, he gently interrupted me and said, “This isn’t the first time dealing with this issue, and I am sorry it’s coming up again in your life. But what if, instead of leaning into racing thoughts, you worked to shut them down as soon as they started? As quickly as the idea forms, you immediately replace it with another thought.”I feel like I’d heard this piece of advice just a few days before from my husband.
I wonder if you need a couple of trusted people repeating a similar truth for it to take root finally. We don't always have the power to control our thoughts, but we can keep them from controlling us.
Our key verse, Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2), is encouraging us to do just that, to make up our minds to focus on the eternal, not the temporary. The word set can also be translated as think, take a stance, or have the position of. Setting our minds on things above instead of just a one-and-done act, but a continual renewal of our minds to refocus on our source of hope and joy.
How do we keep our minds on godly, spiritual things?
We remember that those who have a personal relationship with Jesus have been raised with Christ!
We can set our mind on things above where Jesus is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1). Spiritual warfare is a reality. We have an enemy who prowls around us like a lion (1 Peter 5:8). Often, the greatest battle we fight (against our flesh and the enemy) is fought between our ears.
However, we don’t fight alone; we have the power of the Holy Spirit and know how the battle ends– with God ( and those in Christ) as the victor! No matter what we face in this life, as Christians, our old self has died to sin; our life is now hidden in Christ, and therefore, we will experience the glorious riches of Christ Jesus as we appear with Him in Heaven for eternity (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I am not suggesting that our concerns are invalid; many situations and circumstances require us to consider how to respond appropriately. However, we don’t have to allow the worry or the anxiety to consume our thoughts to cripple us from living each day as a blessing. Life in a fallen world will bring a constant barrage of suffering, pain, and hurt, which could lead us to feel desperate, hopeless, and overwhelmed. But, when we look at our present circumstance through the lens of eternity, refocusing our minds from our present suffering to our future glory with Christ ( Romans 8:18), we experience the hope and peace that passes all understanding in Christ Jesus.
Friend, I don’t know what weighs heavy on your heart and mind today, but join me as we lift a prayer to the Lord, releasing our burdens to Him, focusing our minds on the eternal riches that are ours in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).
Heavenly Father, we are so weary; our hearts and minds are heavy with worry. We ask that You grant us Your peace, peace that You can give, not as the world gives (John 14:27). When we are weak, we know that You are strong; give us strength when we fight spiritual battles and comfort us in our suffering. Guide and direct our thoughts as we focus on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/m-imagephotography
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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