I need to unthaw the chicken thighs. I wonder if I salted the lemons for too long. Is it going to snow in the morning? I need to get my reading glasses out of the car. These nose bleeds are annoying! I should probably be drinking more water. Did I take my vitamins this morning? Do I need to get my tires replaced?
These were some of the thoughts that were rolling around in my mind at 12:30 a.m. after I randomly woke up. I looked at the clock, groaned and wanted to stop my overactive mind so I could get some more sleep before my alarm went off.
All of us have had varying degrees of challenges with our thoughts, maybe in the form of worry, overthinking stuff, planning for worst-case scenarios, stressing over conversations and lots more. And whether we realize it or not, our thoughts hugely shape our decisions and how we engage in life. Even deeper into the weeds, our mindsets are the constructs or assumptions through which we perceive life, relationships, values, conversations and so much more.
So here are some biblical inputs to consider in relation to our thinking and mindsets:
Default thinking: In Romans 8:6, we read, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” When I read this verse, it challenges me to consider my default thinking patterns. Where do my thoughts go as their home base? If I’m worried about something, then my mind cogitates around that worry. When I’m not worried about something, then sometimes my thoughts will default to my to-do list, trip planning, meal prep, etc. However, in Romans 8:6, Paul tells us that if we will let our default thinking settle on Holy Spirit, then we will have life and peace, which are highly desirous! I remind myself that when I don’t have life and peace, it’s probably because I’m not letting Holy Spirit be the default for my thoughts and focus.
Change your mind: In Romans 12:2, we read, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” As we think about this verse, let’s take a helpful look at some of the words that are used. To begin, Paul says not to be conformed to the world. This word, conformed, comes from a Greek word schematizo, which is where we derive our word schematic or blueprint. Considering this, we come to understand that there is a common blueprint for the thinking of the world, and Paul is telling us not to let that blueprint be the construct for our thoughts or outlook. Instead, he challenges us to transform our thinking, and he uses the Greek word, metamorpho, from which we derive our word metamorphosis. This word literally means to change form, such that our thought life is fundamentally changed in its form or structure. This happens when we renew our mind. The Greek word for renew that Paul uses here is the word anakainosis, which has the idea of being new in quality rather than old and used up. Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 let us know that we can change our mind and have a new quality of thought!
As you reflect on this blog, one of the things that I’ve always found helpful in relation to my thoughts and mindset is to always keep some Bible verses in front of me to memorize. Having accessible Bible verses in my memory gives me some choices with my thoughts and focus. This is helpful so that, even if I wake in the night, I have something constructive for my thoughts and focus! Selah!
