I recently spent some time with someone who COULD have a beautiful life. This person is surrounded with blessings, but instead of embracing them, this person seems more in love with their electronic devices. It is evident that this person is not happy. But the addiction to whatever is happening on the internet and social media has captured this person’s mind. The negative information bombardment on their mind eventually works itself out in words and deeds. It has to. It has nowhere else to go. It greatly saddened me to see such a waste of a great mind and a blessed life.
My friend, we all struggle with finding a balance of what to put in our mind.
As I observed this person, the Lord convicted me about the soundness of my own mind. He asked, “Kimberly, how healthy is the balance in what you feed your mind? Is MY Word as prevalent as all the other things you are feeding your mind in your free time?”
As I analyzed the music I listen to, the shows I watch, my social media scrolling, my news feed and sadly concluded that my mind was being overwhelmed with non-essential garbage in the name of pleasure, information, and relaxation. By comparison, my time reading God’s Word, listening to sermons or godly podcasts, talking with friends of God, or listening to Christian music—was woefully unbalanced with Facebook and the Wall Street Journal. It wasn’t always so. The best times in my life have been when I had the BE-attitude of “hungering and thirsting after righteousness.”
Renewing my mind in Christ is a decision and I needed to make a u-turn!
Minute by minute. Hour by hour. Day by day. Having a sound mind is a commitment. But, oh what a gift! It is the pathway to capturing all the blessings of joy. Our salvation enables us to develop the magnificent mind of Christ—including His beautiful imagination and ageless wisdom. The Bible gives us simple instructions:
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”Romans 12:2
And with WHAT do we renew our mind? We shared this timeless verse yesterday:
“[W]hatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
We can’t go wrong with God’s Word—it is generously multifaceted!
What other single source gives us joy, revival of the soul, strength, liberty, comfort, kindness, hope, delight, life and light? Ah, the Psalmist knew this wisdom and cherished God’s Word!
“I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word.
My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word.
I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.
This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life. Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant.
My soul faints for Your salvation, but I hope in Your word. Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.”
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
Psalms 119:14, 25, 28, 45, 50, 76, 81, 92-93, 105
Ah, my friend, there is no music, no book, no influencer, no movie, and no other single source that will give you joy, revival of the soul, strength, liberty, comfort, kindness, hope, delight, life and light. Only God’s Word gives us a sound mind! It is God’s great love story. When we fill our mind with His Word, it changes the way we think. God’s thoughts become our thoughts.
Can you think of a better gift for Christmas than to have the thoughts of God?
2 Responses
Much to think about here. How many times through the day do I allow some social media to distract me until a half an hour or an hour (many times more) has fallen victim to me wasting time, scrolling? What would I do with the time if I could have it back? Thanks for these wonderful insights. As always, I appreciate them and you.
Doug, thanks for the encouragement. God is so faithful to reset our mind if we hunger and thirst after His Word and His Righteousness! Have a blessed day my friend!