Written by Sue Sanders
John Milton wrote, “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” I can see this with my mind. It goes on a rampage at times envisioning the worst that could possibly happen, opening up doors that have been closed, and exposing fresh wounds where one had previously healed. Why am I always fearful instead of peaceful, negative instead of positive, doubtful instead of hopeful? Responsibilities, sicknesses, loneliness, losses, challenges—they all roll together in one tight ball in my stomach stealing my peace. Faith, however, sounds out an alarm when panic attempts a break-in to rob my peace. There is a much better way according to Scripture: Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
How do you set your mind? It would be so easy if you could just program your mind to follow the godly path, and it would not stray. It’s not that easy though. John Ortberg says that researchers have proven that we can literally rewire our brains. “Why synapses remain and which ones wither away depends on your mental habits. . .The mind shapes the brain. Neurons that wire together fire together. In other words, when you practice hope, love, or joy, your mind is actually, literally, rewiring your brain!” (Ortberg 98).
Do I know anyone who practices hope, love, or joy? My friend Mona is a light bulb. No matter how dark the forecast, how dismal the atmosphere, how troubling the news, her face beams encouragement. Her eyes literally twinkle with the joy of the Lord. Her mindset builds us up and inevitably results in her leading us into singing God’s praises. Frequently, she leads us in a praise dance. What is her secret? She has learned to let the Holy Spirit’s thermostat set her mind on God. (Thoughts for October 31, 2014)
Hearts United Women's Ministry 