My mind was so focused on the problem that I couldn’t think about anything else. Scenarios played in my head like a trailer for a horror film … all the what-ifs.
Someone once said that if we don’t fill our minds with God’s Word, the enemy will fill them with doubt, fear, and confusion. I had certainly allowed that to happen to me.
Then I read Sarah Young’s words in Jesus Calling: “A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to the world, the flesh, and the Devil, all of which exert a downward pull on your thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly confused and directionless. The best remedy is to refocus your mind and heart on Me, your constant companion.” ~Jesus
Shifting our focus is as easy as calling out to the Lord. Whispering His name. Spending time in His presence. Saturating our mind and heart with His Word.
No one can change our thoughts but us. It’s up to us what we dwell on and allow to take up residence in our hearts. But the Bible is clear on what we should be thinking about. I love the way the Message translation explains it:
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8-9 MSG
What are you thinking about today? If your thoughts don’t line up with God’s Word, maybe it’s time to shift your focus.
Andrea Merrell is an award-winning author and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and was a finalist for the 2016 Editor of the Year Award at BRMCWC and the 2018 Excellence in Editing award by the Christian Editors Network. Andrea is a graduate of Christian Communicators and was a finalist in the 2015 USA Best Book Awards and the 2018 Selah Awards, as well as a semi-finalist in the 2018 ACFW Genesis contest. She has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues, teaches workshops on writing and editing, and is the co-founder and regular contributor to www.TheWriteEditing.com, a blog designed specifically for writers. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. Contact her at www.AndreaMerrell.com.