Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken CultureSample

Engraved in Stone

Not only are you chosen, not only are you holy, but you are also dearly loved by God the Father, who is the Maker of heaven and earth. You are, quite simply, His beloved. Isn’t that amazing?! We must never forget it. In fact…our complete trust in God, His Word, and His unconditional love for us must be “set in stone” in our minds.

The phrase “set in stone” is a reference to the fact that when something has been engraved in a rock, it is not likely to change or be erased. My friend, you and I need to engrave Jesus on the walls of our minds so that He is ever with us, ever part of who we are, what we are thinking about, and what we are consistently seeking.

Circumstances may try to distract and coerce you to think about things other than the promises of God. The enemy will dangle your personal pain, a regrettable childhood, a broken marriage, or the stress of finances in front of your nose, convincing you to focus on the negative and certainly discouraging aspects of life. However, recognize them for what they are—distractions— and then return to your heavenly and engraved mindset. We all need to “think about what we are thinking about” and perpetually have the Word of God set as our default.

Set Your Mind

I have developed a power list of four actions that fight against lies and negativity when the enemy throws despair and melancholy my way. Perhaps this quartet of activities will help you control what is going on in your mind as well:

1. Think about a favorite scripture and begin to quote the Word of God.

2. Sing a hymn of the faith or a favorite worship song.

3. Pray for someone else who is going through a difficult time.

4. Count your blessings and stir up a heart of gratitude for all that you’ve been given.

Set your mind on these potent mental vitamins, and don’t look back! We all have moments when we are tempted to think damaging thoughts; for me, it is in those wakeful moments just before sleep arrives when my mind drifts to worry, anxiety, and dismay.

Recognize these times for what they are - distractions from the truth and instead default to Scripture and to singing a song of vibrant praise to our God!

DAILY WORDS OF WISDOM:

It is not the busy skimming over religious books or the careless hastening through religious duties which makes for a strong Christian faith. Rather, it is unhurried meditation on the gospel truths and the exposing of our minds to these truths that yield the fruit of a sanctified character.

- Maurice Roberts