Reset Your Mindset

Introduction:   • Craig Groeschel wrote a book titled, ‘The Christian Atheist.’ He defines a Christian atheist as someone who believes in God but lives as if he doesn’t exist.  

In the preface of his book, he writes, ‘As much as I don’t want to admit it, I see this kind of atheism in myself. People might assume that a pastor wouldn’t struggle with any form of atheism, but I certainly do. Sadly, Christian Atheism is everywhere. There has to be a better way to live. This book is for anyone courageous enough to admit to their hypocrisy. I hope it pushes you, challenges you, and disturbs you. And if you’re honest before God — as I am trying to be — perhaps together we can shed some of our hypocrisy and live a life that truly brings glory to Christ.’ 

You see, our thought-life is sacred territory. It can either be a place of deep peace and divine life or a place of unrest and inner conflict. Proverbs 23:6-7a reminds us, ‘Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies; For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.’ 

Our thoughts ultimately shape who we become. 

 It’s in our thoughts that the enemy often plants his seeds half-truths, distortions and outright lies. It’s our thought-life that serves as the gateway to our emotions and our actions.  

But praise God it’s also our thoughts that our loving Heavenly Father longs to influence, redeem and renew so that we might experience His perfect peace. 

Isaiah 26:3 declares, ‘You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.’ Do you long for that peace today? Do you long to keep your mind fixed on the inexpressible excellencies of Jesus? It all begins and is sustained by trust. 

When our minds wander into worry, doubt, fear, or negativity, it’s often because deep down we’ve stopped trusting that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised. 

 If we truly trusted God with our relationships, we wouldn’t spend so much time replaying conversations in our minds, wishing they had gone differently.  If we truly trusted God as our perfect provider, we wouldn’t lose sleep over our finances, fearing that there won’t be enough or that we’ve missed an opportunity.  If we truly trusted God with our future, we wouldn’t waste precious energy playing out every possible ‘what if.’ Scenario.  And if we truly believed what God says about us, that we are loved, chosen and accepted in the Beloved Ephesians 1:6 we wouldn’t exhaust ourselves trying to impress others or earn their approval. 

Romans 8:6 tells us plainly, ‘For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.’ Where you choose to set your mind today is a decision of the will, a kingdom decision. 

For we are not of this world; we are citizens of heaven Philippians 3:20. And citizens of God’s kingdom are called to think differently, to see through heaven’s lens and to respond with heaven’s heart.  

Colossians 3:2 says, ‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’ 

Holy Spirit is fully available ready and willing to lead you into abounding joy, peace and spiritual clarity.  But make no mistake, there is a real battle for your mind. As 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, ‘Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.’ 

And one of his favourite battlefields is your thought-life. He knows that if he can devour your peace, he can derail your purpose.  But take heart! the Word assures us in 1 John 4:4, ‘You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’ 

God has a perfect plan to lead you away from the thoughts that torment you and into a place of Holy Spirit life and joy.  He is your good and loving Father. Trust that He is with you, even in the battle. Place your faith wholeheartedly in Him, because He is perfectly faithful and able. 

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. He has prepared a glorious, kingdom future for you, one filled with peace, purpose and power. So fix your mind on Him, as often and as passionately as you can.  

Let your thoughts be shaped not by fear or doubt, but by faith, gratitude and the reality of His Kingdom that is both here and coming. 

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.’ 

Think on the importance of placing your trust in God. Allow Scripture to stir up your desire to have a peaceful thought-life. 'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.’ Romans 12:2 

What thoughts plague you the most? What thoughts steal the peace available to you through trusting God? 

‘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 3:1-2 

Place your trust fully in God today for whatever specifically troubles you and receive the peace that comes from setting your mind on your good and loving heavenly Father. 

‘Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.’ Psalm 37:4-6 

• Our thoughts really are a powerful gauge of our level of trust. Thoughts don’t run themselves. We think the way we do for a reason.  

• When we begin to take captive and evaluate our thoughts, we start an important process of renewing our minds. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 

• Take notice of the way you think today. Take notice of what troubles you and what brings you peace and joy.  

• Open your heart and ask Holy Spirit to help you renew your mind and place your trust in Him that you might truly have peace.  

• So today, let’s set our minds on the King and live with a kingdom mindset, trusting fully in His goodness, resting deeply in His peace and walking boldly in His promises. 

• May your thoughts be marked by the nearness and love of Jesus.