What’s On Your Mind?
Are you one of those people who zone out? As in, you’ll be looking into the distance and people will literally call you back to reality and need to ask “what were you thinking about?”
For me half the time it’s nothing, I seriously just blanked out for a hot second. But that question - “what are you thinking about” is something we should really be asking ourselves moment by moment.
The mind is a precious place. From it, our victories can be dictated, our worries and fears overcome, potential shifting into action - yet it’s very rare for us to take inventory and ask ourselves what am I thinking about?
Do you mind ?
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Consider this verse the ultimate test to check what you’re thinking about and to see if it is in alignment with God’s truth. (I’m not saying your mind needs to only be filled with the word of God, because as long as we’re here on Earth, we’re kind of in this constant battle.) But using this verse allows us to separate what’s the truth of God versus what lie the Enemy is trying to get us to believe.
How To Use This Verse:
Identity
The Enemy doesn’t want you to know the truth of who you are in God. So allowing your mind to run wild with unchecked thoughts of who you think you are can be a dangerous place.
Like some days I’m 100% feelin’ myself, but other days I’m like Jo you’re so dumb and I can’t believe you’re like this. And I can’t bank on myself to be the source of my esteem.
So on the days you don’t know what to believe about yourself, ask yourself - is what I am identifying myself true? Does it make me feel lovely? If not, throw it out and root yourself in a promise of who God says you are.
Purpose
In the process of doing God’s will, we can get caught up in the crossfires of inadequacy, unworthiness, or simply being tired. In those moments, check on this verse and see if your mentality in continuing on is in alignment with the checklist of Philippians 4:8.
Relationship
Relationships can be tricky. Someone who meant well can start to drain. Someone who you see as “offensive” may actually be trying to correct you from a place of love - so how do you know who to listen to?
Using this verse will allow you to pose the things people say and check if they are in alignment with God’s word. The advice your friend is giving you - does it result in something pure? Or does it leave you with no peace?
The use of this verse and the truth to which it extends goes beyond just these three main areas. It is a mental check in that I use when dealing with anxious thoughts, or my future plans. It’s my prayer this truth can help teach you the beauty and power of God’s wisdom and discernment, especially in the battlefield of the mind.
xx,
Jo