Two-minute read.
God transforms our lives when we align our hearts and minds with Him. Instead of doing what the world does, we do what the Savior would do, resulting in an abundant life found only in Christ. Recently, I’ve started praying a new prayer, “Lord, protect my mind from the whispers of the devil.” Living in the eastern part of Virginia, we have a lot of water. Rivers, bays, and oceans form a complex system that requires many bridges and tunnels. The James River Bridge, which connects the peninsula to the south side, spans 4.5 miles over the water with a 415-foot lift for ships that allows clearance of 145 feet when raised. Nearly a million vehicles a month cross the steep drawbridge, and I’m one of them.
Every time I start up the hill to the drawbridge, my stomach drops, and errant thoughts run through my head. Anxiety wants to draw me into its grips with images of my car going over the edge into the rapidly moving river. Recognizing the whispers from the devil, I prayed for the Lord to protect my mind from the devil’s antics. Instead of listening to the whispers, I praised God for the blessings, thanking Him for the bridge that makes travel convenient, the safe car with good tires, and the railings that keep vehicles from plunging into the water. By changing my thoughts, I transformed my anxiety into praise.
When we meditate on God’s word and ways, He will transform us. Actions begin with thoughts; what we think determines what we do. If we take our thoughts captive and bring them into obedience with Christ, we will develop a grateful mindset. An attitude of gratitude defeats the world’s manipulations.
Focus your thoughts on the Savior. Develop an attitude of gratitude by meditating on what Jesus did for us on the cross. When we have cross-vision, viewing everything through the lens of Christ, He will transform us. Daily chores become an act of worship. Meeting people becomes an opportunity to love them for the Lord. Life becomes a series of divine appointments rather than coincidences. Everything and everyone matters to the Creator and has eternal significance. Our limited perspective can’t comprehend all the Lord’s workings, but we can trust He will work all things to the good for those who love and serve Him.
Change your thinking, change your life. Develop a grateful mindset by seeking reasons to praise God. You’ll find that once you start counting your blessings, you will never finish; they far outweigh the things of this world.
Journal Questions:
When has focusing on things of the world stolen your joy?
What’s one thing you can do today to change your thinking?
How has Jesus transformed your life?
Application:
Renew your thoughts through gratitude.
