Day 36 – Issue 12

Be Still Know

1 Corinthians 2:16b NLT

But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.

Waking up in the morning can be challenging. Sometimes the alarm is a shrill intrusion, and on other occasions I awake long before the alarm and my head fills with unresolved issues that I know I have to deal with. However we wake up, one thing is for sure: we stand at the threshold of a fresh opportunity to serve God.

I have begun a habit of prayerfully preparing myself for that day of opportunity, opportunities which may disguise themselves as challenges and irritations, before I set one foot over the side of my bed. First, I pray for my mind.

In an oversexualised society, the mind processes inappropriate sexual imagery. In a fast-paced world, my mind adopts attitudes of anger and criticism in equal measure towards others, even on occasion entertaining overwhelming thoughts of violence. Disappointments can create a sense of melancholy, leading to depression. Happiness can lead to an overindulgence in irresponsibility. My mind ceaselessly changes videos – and my mind exercises control over my whole approach to life, my mood and therefore my behaviour.

So, as I wake I place my hands upon my head and offer a prayer asking for the mind of Christ, to think as Jesus thinks, that I might take every thought captive, as I serve God in all the forthcoming opportunities in my day ahead. I want to lead my mind and not allow my mind to lead me.

We are invited to develop the mind of Christ – and Jesus tells us that we are to love God with all of our mind. Love is a commitment and not simply a feeling. Serving God is a rational activity – God, who is both first cause and final end of all things.

QUESTION: Reflect upon your thought life. How edifying is it? What is its impact upon both your mood and your behaviour?

PRAYER: Lord, at the start of this day thank you that you have given us the mind of Christ to approach all that the world will bring.