Overcoming The Mind

Millions of thoughts running through my mind. Thinking about the to-do list of today’s, tomorrows, and next weeks. The thoughts of if I’m doing enough or doing it correctly. The thoughts of how others perceive me. Am I being a good leader or following the crowd? Am I where need to be? Am I walking in purpose or delaying the process? The thoughts of fear, anxiety, sadness, and insecurities all come to attack me on a daily. The mind never stops. Is there a turn-off button? Can I just freeze in time for a minute? You know, it is said, that the average person has 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts a day. Of those, 80% are negative and 95% are the same repetitive thoughts as the day before. This means most of our thoughts are filled with pessimism. At any given time, our thoughts tend to produce more stress, worry, doubt, and fear than thoughts of joy. Our minds are polluted by the things of this world. Can we be honest? It is naturally easier to ponder on junk-filled thoughts because we live in a world that everywhere you see is evil. Daily, we hear about violence, wars, illnesses, deaths, natural disasters, famine, and the list keeps going. The truth is we become what we spend more time focusing on. If I spend more time focusing on hopelessness, frustration, and disappointments, that is what I’ll become. This is why I love the Word of God. In Colossians 3:2-5, it states, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”. It is a choice we have to make to set our minds on the things that bring joy, love, and peace. Which only comes from above. The problem is we are preoccupied with the things of life, and what people expect from us that we forget Who our main focused should be, which is Jesus Christ. Jesus, while being down here on the Earth, understood the importance of keeping His eyes, heart, and mind on God the Father. Jesus understood He could not be drawn to the brokenness of this world. In Isaiah 26:3 gives us the key on how to having our minds at ease. It states, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You”. You can only stay in perfect peace if you filter your thoughts through the Word of God. It speaks the truth that God loves us with an everlasting love. That God knows the plans He has for us to give us a hope and future. That we do not have to fear for He is with us! He will strengthen and help us. That in the multitude of our anxieties, His comfort will delight our soul. That surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 2:16 that we have the mind of Christ. When Jesus enters your life, He gives you His mind. No longer will thoughts of sin, darkness, and oppression control your mind. But, now you have a mind full of life and peace. So, when your mind becomes overwhelmed, look up to the Father. Give Him your overburdened thoughts for the exchange of His perfect peace.