ISAIAH 26:3 -You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
THEME OF THE DAY: WHO ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT? Ever been in a situation with someone, likely in a marriage or some other close relationship, and it has been quiet, then the silence is broken with the question “What are you thinking about?” I believe that response is common. For the Christian though, the question to be asked, even of ourselves, is not “What are you thinking about?” but “Who are you thinking about?” and especially so in those seasons of difficulty.
The mind and how we use it is critical in the Christian life. Take time and do a word study on “mind” and “think” and learn the importance of right thinking to live the Christian life as God desires. The mind is even used toward our obedience of the Great Commandment – “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And Jesus 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 22:36-37).
In today’s scripture we are given the way to peace when our hearts are tempted to be anxious and fearful due to intense trials and difficult circumstances. The way is directing our minds to be fixed on the Lord of our circumstances, not our circumstances. Is it not true that when life gets hard, we are prone to sleepless nights, anxious thoughts, and fretting over “what if” scenarios? Our minds go everywhere trying to control or change situations causing us such stress and worry. Yet, the answer to a heart not troubled by circumstances is to focus on the Lord, not us or our circumstances. The prophet Isaiah tells us to “stay” our mind on Him. The word “stay” means “to rest upon, to lean, support“ and gives us a beautiful picture of a child relying upon a parent. It is one of intimacy, confident reliance, and strength. And how is such a peaceful posture achieved – right thinking, and that toward the Lord Himself. Here are a couple suggestions on keeping one’s mind on the Lord, not our circumstances, and enjoying the peace of heart He promises.
First, renew our minds with the truth of Jesus’ humanity. Think often on Jesus becoming a man; the incarnation – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14). This will keep our minds aware of the living reality of Jesus and Him being ever so close to us, able to identify with us in our many trials.
Next think often of Jesus in His love for us, and that by keeping our minds on His cross and empty tomb. Nothing calms the anxious heart more than remembering God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (John 3:16a). A mind that is stayed on the Gospel of the Lord Jesus will know the peace coming from that Gospel.
So, in the many challenges of life, learn to ask the right question – “Who am I thinking about?” not “What am I thinking about?” The former leads to peace with a mind staying on the Lord.
PRAYER: “Father, help me keep my mind fixed on You, Your Son, and Your Gospel.”
QUOTE: “Our minds, and what we allow them to think upon, determine the quality of our spiritual lives.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim