Kristen Henderlong

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:4-9

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:3-4

The mind is a powerful thing.  I don’t have to tell you.  You already know your thoughts can overwhelm you; they can keep you up at night; they can make you sweat, cry, laugh, or catch your breath.  They can provide you with the most intense and wonderful memories. Powerful.

The way we choose to do life is all through the perception of our individual minds.  Nobody can read your thoughts except God.  Someone you love and know very well may be able to discern your thought tendencies and catch you in the process.  But only God really knows all of it… every single thought… even the ones you may be ashamed of.  But it’s ok—don’t be afraid.  Don’t feel exposed.  He already knew before you did.

Did you know God has given you authority over your mind? Do you know you do not have to live in the taunting thoughts of grief, fear, anxiety or doubt?  Do you know that some of your thoughts are lies and some of your thoughts are just totally unnecessary?

Sometimes I forget I have power over my mind.  Emotions and thoughts can be so intertwined.  Feelings can rise up within me and overtake my focus. Peoples’ voices, childhood trauma, the media, music, culture, etc. is always flowing through.  We consume so much in our minds we don’t even realize how it’s affecting us.

Paul says, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:2.  This implies we have the option to renew our mind.  We do not have to be imprisoned by it.

Consider this:  when you learn something new like a song or a sport or how to ride a bike… those things take practice and expanding of the mind; repetition and muscle memory. Then leaning into the flow of the rhythm, the balance, and a sense of satisfaction.  It’s all new to you, but totally attainable to understand because you have a mind that is alive and open.  This new thing—you feel it, you know it, you embrace it.

Renewing our mind can be like that.  It’s a practice.  It’s meditation; rhythm, balance, and then a sense of satisfaction.  The verses quoted above from Philippians and Colossians, when it says to “think about these things” (Phil 4:9) and “…set your mind on…” (Col. 3:4)… that’s meditation.  Think about these things; meditate on them, embrace them, live them, share them, breathe them.  When you set your mind on something, you fixate on it; you are making a choice because you HAVE a choice.  You are not a victim of your thoughts.  You are the authority over them in Jesus name.  Show them who’s boss.  Fill your mind with whatever is pure and lovely and wholesome.

If I am a gatekeeper to a palace, it is my job to guard it; It is my job to observe and discern the intentions of anything and anyone trying to enter.  Will this thing or person empower my palace?  Or cause danger?  Will this thing or person respect my treasure? Or steal it?  Will it impart love and wisdom? Or danger and fear?  

You are the gatekeeper of your mind.  It is your dwelling place.  You live there.  You have to deal with what comes in and out.   I understand sometimes we are ambushed and exposed to things we have no control over.  It happens.  But as a follower of Christ you have every weapon you need to defend your mind and escort any threats that may have entered.  If you know this when you are ambushed, you already have the upper hand.

Be fierce.

Remember: You are loved.