“Set your mind on things above, not of this earth.” Colossians 3:2

Above

In the middle of a busy day at work, or at home when I have a “million” things to do, and my “stress point” is reached, I know I need to turn to the Lord for peace, wisdom and rest. Yet do I set my eyes on things above and not of this earth? If I haven’t prepared my heart and thoughts before my day begins, I’m toast and I may lash out irrationally or take on a wrong attitude. Even if I have only a few minutes to prepare in the Word of God with prayer and worship, it’s so worth it and I fix my heart on being an offering to the Lord. This is my reasonable service or worship (Romans 12:1). The Lord is my refuge I can “resort” to continually (Psalm 71:2).

To have the Lord at the forefront of our minds, being “mindful” of Jesus’ will, is key. Then when “my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the ROCK that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2). I can behave in a way that glorifies Him, being ready in season and out (2 Timothy 4:2).

It is a life-walk of faith to be in the world and not of the world—to be ready, for instance, to encourage others in the middle of a project. It’s not a “works” effort. It’s because Jesus is the love of my life. To quote John Piper: “We are most satisfied when He is most glorified.”

The Lord is in the middle of a project with me, teaching me to hang on to all things loosely. This includes people, activities, my pride, material possessions, money, and even traditions. It’s okay—He has this—and it becomes an adventure. I’m practicing not to focus on other’s mistakes, or my own, in which I become critical or petty. I know how needy I am and how I need to trust Him. Remember, even Peter soon became focused on earthly things after His divine revelation of Jesus being the Messiah; the Lord rebuked him, telling him that his mind was full of the things of man and not God (read Matthew 16:16-23). To purposefully turn things over to His capable hands, knowing and trusting that His will is best, even when I don’t “get it,” is my constant goal. He has promised that ALL things work together for good to the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

The darkness fades into new beginnings when our minds are fixed on things above. We need to remember that “every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no shadow or variation of turning” (James 1:17).

“For Your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the clouds” (Psalm 108:4). This is where our focus needs to be, on things above.

“Thank You for Your unconditional love, above all things. We commit to focus on You and Your purposes above earthly things, knowing Your will is good and perfect. We set our minds on You and things above.”