Hey!
How are you doing today? What is one thing that's been on your mind repeatedly today? What's your one question for God?
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2 CSB
When we read this verse, it might initially appear frustrating. It seems to overlook our current situation entirely, urging us instead to redirect our focus.
As a wellness professional dedicated to promoting rest and mental well-being, I would like to offer some guidance for individuals whose minds are currently preoccupied with fears, worries, or concerns about others.
FIRST PRINCIPLE HELPING US WITH THOUGHT CYCLES: SET OUR MINDS
The first Godly principle we can embrace from this verse is that we have some control over our minds. In mindfulness or meditation, we refocus our attention on the present moment, and we place our focus on God; we can do the same when those questions arise that send us into a spiral of wanting more understanding.
Application: The next time we find ourselves circling the same thoughts or questions, ask, ' What is a more productive thought I can think of in this place or a more productive question that I can ask instead? '
Sometimes, we are not asking the right questions.❤
SECOND PRINCIPLE: ON THE THINGS ABOVE
Paul advises us to shift our attention away from repetitive thoughts that can lead us into a negative cycle. This verse encourages us to focus on heavenly matters. Still, let's not get too deep when processing this. It is essential to recognize that setting our thoughts on things above simply involves focusing on aspects of Heaven that we can influence while we are on Earth—allowing our thoughts to guide us toward what is good, true, noble, and worthy.
Application: The next time we find ourselves with these thoughts cycling through our minds, we ask ourselves, ' Ten years from now, what message would I want to hear from myself, or what is something bigger than these thoughts that I currently care about? '
Sometimes, it's just about shifting our focus to the things we already have answers to and that we are called to complete right now. ❤
THIRD PRINCIPLE: NOT ON EARTHLY THINGS
This Godly principle tells us where not to focus. Paul is essentially teaching that we are no longer the same. We've been raised with Christ, and what did Christ do when He was raised? He showed up for people; He helped people, and His ministry continued through His disciples. This portion encourages us not to focus on attention stealers, worries, and distractions.
Application: When we catch ourselves caught in a cycle of thoughts or worries, I want us to notice, name exactly what we are doing, and then refocus on the things that we do know to be true or the One who holds the truth, our Father.
Sometimes, we have to step away from what is worrying or distracting us to see it more clearly.❤
I encourage us to begin putting these tips into practice in our lives. Often, when we shift our focus, the answers we need end up presenting themselves in a way that we can understand.
God has a way of showing us when we look AT Him and not those questions, thoughts, or worries.
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