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Peter 1:13 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled;
set your hope on the grace to be given you when Jesus is revealed."
I
struggle with my mind and with self-control, for the two are intrinsically
connected. When you have an overactive mind, whether it is fear-based,
creative, organized, or controlling, it is always exhausting. An overactive
mind can also defeat self-control. So, when I read this verse last night, I
needed to take some time to meditate and pray on it.
"Prepare
your minds for action;" Because I struggle with a fear mind, the actions
that come forth are usually protective, compulsive, or ones of avoidance. But
it says “prepare”, so how do I do that with racing thoughts? Being still,
reading the scriptures, and spending time with Jesus is the only way I know to
prime the pump of my brain. Being with Jesus and resting in God’s truth calms
both my mind and soul, then I can be ready for what He is calling me to do and
not what my mind is usually screaming at me.
“Set your hope on grace…” This is critical. God extends grace to me even when I
falter or fail. He always forgives my weaknesses and gives me another chance to
serve Him. I have been feeling His grace abundantly in recent days. As I shared
a few weeks ago, I am observing Lent for the first time in a long while. I prayed
about this and sought guidance. I was led to both abstain from and add certain
things to each day. I thought I would struggle greatly, but God has been
merciful and has helped me through this time. I could not, nor would I want to,
do this in my own strength.
That
is the key to all things. The more I submit my everyday life to God, the more I
pray for wisdom and clarity, the more my mind feels prepared for action. The Lord
has not healed me of the fear mind I struggle with, but He has taught me that,
even with it, I can still serve Him. I only need to “lift it up” and trust.
I
am, as always, a work in progress.
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