What's On your Mind

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope (Lamentation 3:21 KJV)

How many times have you been asked, or have you asked, of someone "what's on your mind"? Have you ever wondered why that question arose? Was the inquiry prompted by what you were doing or how you looked? Were you displaying some unusual behavior or characteristic? Was your attitude out of pocket? Whatever may have been the case, the fact is that the people who know us know when something is on our minds.

Isn’t it strange how what's on our minds can affect our feelings, focus, faith and fellowships? It can determine our actions and reactions. Having something or someone we love on our minds may cause us to behave silly or sensuously. On the other hand, when we are at odds with someone we may display an array of negative behaviors. The mind, or the way we think, can produce some powerful actions and responses. Hence, the proverbial warning to guard our hearts (that is to say our minds) with all diligence: because that’s where life starts (Proverbs 4:23). In other words, how we think and how we live are interconnected.

Sadly, so many of our lives have been tarnished by unhealthy thinking. And even more sadly, much of the thinking that destroys us has been intentionally (and in some cases unintentionally) placed in our minds by our loved ones: thoughts of failure, thoughts of rejection, and so many other disappointing ideas and concepts.

Negative and unhealthy thinking is nothing new. The prophet Jeremiah, during his season of lament, had some very challenging thoughts: thoughts of failure, thoughts of rejection.

Jeremiah and the nation of Israel had encountered intense affliction, and although he realized that the hardship they were under was a direct result of their ungodly actions he was still overwhelmed by the severity of their suffering. His soul was burdened and his mindset was dark and dreary. Jeremiah was extremely sorrowful and sad. His countenance had fallen and his expectations had been nullified. He said of himself my strength is gone as is my anticipation for anything better (Lamentations 3:18). He lost all hope and vitality as it appeared that any chance for a decent life was unobtainable.
That was until he called this one thing to mind. Note the definite article “this” which would suggest that a particular thought came to his mind: a thought so impactful it gave him hope (21). He thought about the Lord's mercies.
With a sense of renewed hope Jeremiah proclaimed "it is because of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed" (Lamentations 3:22). He realized that the ordeals through which he had gone did not kill him. He survived the process and the pain, and, he was grateful for God's compassion which was exhibited in spite of his and the nation's wrongful actions.

Because Jeremiah was able to think beyond his lament and recall God's mercies that are new every morning and God's faithfulness which is great, he had hope and expectation for a full life.
So, what's on your mind? Is it full of yesterday 's regrets, hurts and sorrows, or is your mind loaded with thoughts of a God whose " loyal love will never run out and whose merciful love will never dry up"(Lamentations 3:22 MSG). Get your mind on the Lord and not on your faults, failures and falls, and watch a merciful God give you hope for a better tomorrow.

Prayer:

Today Lord I change my mind. There is life after yesterday's pain, regret and hurt. I shall live and not die and declare the works of your hands (Psalms 118:17). I confess that I deserved some of the consequences of my actions, but I thank you for new mercies in spite of me. You are so faithful unto me (Lamentations 3:22, 23). I praise you for looking beyond my faults. I thank you for turning my thoughts toward you. Forever, for the rest of my life, keep my mind stayed on you (ISA 26:3), In Jesus' name. Amen

God’s Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Originally Published June 9th, 2010