Setting Our Minds

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].  Philippians 4:8 AMP

Since posting on Tuesday about setting our minds and keeping them set in the heavenlies, I've had quite the opportunity to put it into practice these past 2 days.  I must admit, though I'd rather not, that I have failed miserably.  Yet, I'm forgetting what's behind and pressing on to the higher calling!  I can do it; I know I can.  With this being so fresh, however, on my mind and in my life, I want to thrash this out a little more.  How about it?  You in?

The soul - which is our mind, our will, and our emotions - is such an interesting thing. It's capacity to remember, it's ability to forget, and it's defense to block out is quite amazing.  No matter how much time or money scientists and researchers put into the study of the mind and our emotions, they'll never come close to uncovering the grand plan of their operation.  They are designed by a Creator that is Infinite, multi-faceted, and purely Brilliant, and He has made us in His own image.  Sure, we don't compare to Him in any fashion, but we are made in His image.

I do know, however, and am quite convinced that there is a lot more to be done in working out the salvation of my soul.  Some days I am truly a mess!  I try not to fret over things, but there are just some things that really get me anxious.  I try to focus my thoughts on things that are pure, lovely, honest, noble, excellent and praiseworthy, but I can't seem to keep it focused.  I can dig into the Scriptures and meditate on them.  I can recall and remember words the Lord has spoken to me.  Yet, sometimes my fear, frustration, and fickleness rule.  I can't see them - the good thoughts, the Scriptures, and the Lord's words - for what they are.  They don't seem to mean what they should when I am like this.

You know what I have found that helps me get back on track and refocused?  PRAISE!  He tells us that He has given us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, and believe me, it works!  I have to put on some good, high-powered, praise music and sing and dance like David.  It gets my mind off of me and on the One it should be on.  It causes me to remember Who He is and what He has done.  Praise actually causes my mind and my emotions to center themselves on the Lord.  My focus returns.  Then, I can begin to clearly think on those things that are noble, pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy and see them for what they are.  I can recall the Scriptures and find hope in them.  I can remember the Lord's words to me and find the faith to believe Him.

I know, you are probably thinking, "Does she really do this?  Does she really put on this music and sing and dance?"  You better bet I do.  If I want to get out of my funk, I do!  I hit Eddie James' "You Are Worthy"  or Cory Asbury's "My Beloved," crank it up as high as it can go without distorting it, and I give God all the praise that is due Him.  I'll continue with more songs of praise, and finally find myself in worship, sitting at His feet and resting in Him.  His Word becomes more alive, more active, and more powerful to me after this.  I can once again set my mind and keep it set on things above.

Truly, you ought to give it a go the next time you find yourself down in the dumps.  God is so faithful to perform His word.  I'm telling you, sometimes it takes me longer than other times, but it always works.  I know why Paul and Silas were singing in prison.  It was the garment they had been given to overcome their desperate situation.

Scriptures for reference and study: Philippians 4:6-8; Philippians 3:14; Ezekiel 10:4; Genesis 1:27; Philippians 2:12; Isaiah 61: 3; 2 Samuel 6:14-22; Jeremiah 1:12; Acts 16:22-28