“For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever”—2 Corinthians 4:18 (GNT)
When you set your mind on things above, your perspective changes. As you focus on God’s goodness, your mindset shifts to things that are good in your life. We have a choice on where we set our eyes. Focusing on the negative is going to produce a pessimistic attitude in me.
And trust me, with my mom’s negativity, it has been a real challenge to find joy when I am around her or talking to her. Especially when she was quarantined to her room for 2 days this past week due to a stomach bug.
With a narrow focus of my problems, I can’t allow God in for relief. I lose sight of the only One who can provide my mind the needed respite. Daily gratitude changes my mindset. Thank You, Lord, my mother is able to afford to live in assisted living.
Thankfully, with the Holy Spirit indwelling. I can gain the right perspective for my thoughts. The way I think determines the way I live. I know the battle is in my mind. When Jesus occupies my mind, I start to think more like Him.
Losing focus and letting my mind drift is fertile ground for the enemy to seep into my head. Turning my focus back to God by praising and giving Him thanks is how I counter these attempted attacks. It brings me back in the presence of God. It gives awareness He hasn’t left my side.
God no doubt had His hand on my word/verse for the year. Having Philippians 4:8 on my phone screen saver, reminds me multiple times of day to fill my mind with what is good and deserves praise. Praising God is what fills my heart with His peace and joy that He so lovingly wants to bestow upon me.
Only God can give what the enemy is trying to steal from us. We all have access to His peace and joy. It isn’t something God wants to keep to Himself. He is a generous God who wants to spill His love into us all day long. It is up to us to tap into the Living Water. Have you?
Father God,
Thank You for the Living Water, You so freely want to give me. Shifting my gaze to You is how I change my mind set in a challenging day. Help me to fix my eyes on You and not my circumstances. Forgive me when I let negativity affect my attitude. Restore my mind and replenish by heart to serve in Your Kingdom. May I find joy in unlikely places. I give You thanks for Your encouraging words in 2 Corinthians 4:8; “For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.”I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
January Verse
“In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable”—Philippians 4:18 (GNT)
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