What we repeatedly think about influences our physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. Dwelling on others’ slights and offenses against us is a high-speed train to anger-induced depression.
Rehearsing our failures leads to the same destination. Wallowing in guilt because of our misdeeds and refusing to forgive ourselves as God does when we confess them guarantees unrelenting pain in the emotional doldrums.
Our focus makes all the difference. An anchor can stabilize or sink a boat depending on where we set it.
Setting an anchor off the stern or back of a small vessel in a storm can send the boat to the bottom of the river or lake because the waves will fill it. That corresponds to craving physical pleasure and everything we see and overflowing with pride in what we have accomplished and own (1 John 2:16). That will sink us spiritually.
That is why the Apostle Paul writes, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2–3 NLT). We must reflect on what will keep us afloat, not what will sink us! On what will bless us, not weigh us down! Our thoughts can be our best friends or worst enemies.
Tying the anchor to the bow is thinking about the things that please God—what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8 NLT). Thinking about things of heaven stabilizes us during life’s storms, bluebird sky days, and everything in between.
Paul commands, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NLT). These three reflect a “things of heaven” focus. God is the reason for joy and the object of prayer and thanksgiving.
Paul commands us to rejoice in the Lord always. Does it seem strange? Joy is not the rare air we now and then breathe when special people, places, and things enter our lives. It is not the elation of winning some personal Super Bowl competition. The joy God bestows is independent of circumstances.
It is ocean-deep contentment, serenity, and peace no matter what. It is a consistent characteristic of Jesus’ followers. “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 NLT).
Goodness, peace, and joy are evidence that the Holy Spirit is in the driver’s seat of our lives (Galatians 5:22–23). Thinking about the unfathomably blessed and glorious eternity that awaits lifts our spirits amid life’s bumps, bruises, and disappointments and puts a song in our hearts.
Prayers are part of a heavenly mindset. When they fire like machine gun bullets, we engage with God continually. Our gaze and focus are upward, thinking about things of heaven and heaven’s priorities and fellowshipping with God who is all we need (2 Corinthians 12:9). That keeps our minds out of earthly gutters.
Paul also commands us to be thankful in every circumstance. In January I slipped on ice and fell backward while shoveling snow. I hit my head on the driveway.
Words of thanksgiving did not race to my lips, but a kneejerk anger reflex did. I could have easily suffered a concussion. The anger turned to giving thanks when I didn’t, but I should have been no less thankful if I did. Let’s call it room for growth! See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians. #discipleshipresources #evangelismresources #christianleadershipresources
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