Focus: How One Word a Week Will Transform Your Life

Focus Devotional Excerpt

Focus Word: Renew

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. –Colossians 3:2 ESV

The average person generates over 50,000 thoughts per day. With only 86,400 seconds in a day (28,800 of which should be spent sleeping), that means we only have 57,600 seconds to think these 50,000 thoughts— almost one thought per second. This also means that there is no way our minds do not feel like they are traveling on a neverending roller coaster. The crazy thing about the mind is that we have the brainpower and foresight to understand cause and effect. We understand that when we allow something to fester in our mind, it will either propel us toward our destiny or push us toward a setback. However, we can also deceive ourselves into thinking that we do not have to take authority over our thoughts.

Because behavior is what we see, we often equate change to behavior modification. If we can just alter this behavior or quit this habit, then everything will be different, right? However, any significant and lasting change is always possible because of a renewed mind. When we stop treating our thoughts as though they are our customers and we are waiting on them, we can begin to nurture good thoughts and tell the other ones to hit the road—no conversation necessary. As we begin to realize that our thoughts don’t “happen” to us, we take ownership over our thought life and can begin pursuing the mind of Christ. Whether it be in the music we listen to, the social media we engage in, the friends we choose, or the hobbies we pursue—we will choose what aligns with a mind that pleases God.

With the mind of Christ, we do not grow weary when the unexpected occurs because we trust what He is doing. We do not fear opposition because we know that He is fighting for us . We see the future as hopeful because we know that He is working out all things for our good and His glory. We see those around us as brothers and sisters, no longer competing, condemning, or comparing ourselves because we know that He gives us the gift of each other. And no matter our circumstances, we can remain in a posture of peace because He is in control.

Our thoughts will wander, but if we continue to realign our focus, remember His Word, and renew our mind, we will see the power of Christ at work. A mind set on Jesus is a mind that will change the whole world .

FOCUS TIP: This week, as you focus on the word renew, try to capture your negative thoughts and recalibrate your mind into thoughts of gratefulness and love.

PRAYER: Jesus, renew my mind and restore my thoughts. Amen