Living Lessons on Setting the MindSample

Just as heavy burdens pull us down, anxiety destroys our peace. In the Isaiah verse above, we see “steadfast of mind” as a way to peace. Webster tells us that “steadfast” means “constant, steady, and firmly fixed.” A person whose mind is steadfastly (constantly) focused on God will be able to trust Him and experience peace. 

Upon first look, we could feel like we somehow have to always be thinking about God, every second must be focused on Him. In truth, that’s impossible to do with any topic. It seems to me the idea is more about learning to turn to Him for everything that comes up—gratitude for all He gives and does; comfort for trials and hurts; petitions for needs. The constancy and steadiness are an enveloping sense that He is real and involved in every area of our lives whether we are consciously thinking of Him every second. 

When we feel anxious about circumstances, our emotions may not feel peaceful, but deep inside there will be a surety that God is in control. The Philippians verse tells us that when circumstances make us anxious, not to worry at all. This doesn’t mean that we will never feel anxious, just that we can turn to God and listen to Him and expect Him to respond with peace that is more than we can understand.

We are able to turn to God in our anxiety because of Jesus. Focusing on Jesus and turning to Him when we feel anxious or worried builds intimacy. Anxious thoughts and circumstances “pull” us to turn out from who we are in Christ; turning back to Jesus and steadfastly focusing on Him through prayer produces peace and rest in our hearts regardless of our emotions. 

Here’s a good illustration from my friend, Scott Sellmann, who owns his own business of how it feels to have emotional pressure during anxious circumstances:

“Being anxious for nothing” and keeping a “steadfast mind” on God sometimes sounds easier than it actually is. I see the struggle like a funnel. Say at the top of the funnel is where you have a little anxiety because you're having a slower week with work coming in, and you know it's going to affect the finances some. But you are able to say, "I know God's in control," and rest in that. But then a second week of slower work rolls around (now you're in the middle of the funnel), and the pressure is increasing, and you again have to choose, but now it's harder, more pressurized, but you remember all of the times when God has come through and so you come back to peace. But then the third week in a row comes around, and you're in the bottom of the funnel, extreme pressure, extreme emotions and this time, it's really hard to come to peace and rest. Focusing on Jesus and not your emotions or circumstances is easier or harder depending on where you are in the funnel.

Application: 

Scott’s funnel might make it easier for you to give yourself grace under pressure. When you feel anxious, turn to Jesus and make Him your focus as much as possible.