Occupied Minds

What occupies your mind each day? The average person has approximately 50,000 thoughts occupying their mind in one day. That’s a lot of thoughts, especially if we let our minds run wild! 

Could it be that there are thoughts that occupy our mind that if left unchecked, do more harm than good? Let’s just take a few of those mind culprits….

What do I worry about? Worry has the ability to totally compromise what could have been a glorious day. If our mind is constantly worrying about “what if’s” or the “if only’s” or the “why’s”, there is no room for joy. A glorious day can get gloomy pretty quickly when worry is present.

What do you fear? Fear can be crippling. When our mind is free to roam, fear can jump in. What fears occupy your mind today? How does fear keep you from living freely? Soaring in your work and dreams?

Seeking approval of others? Are you constantly looking around for others approval or attention? Rick Warren writes: “Few things rob your happiness faster than being criticized or feeling like others are working against you. Why? Because we all want to be loved and approved. We want everybody to like us.” (Daily Hope with Rick Warren, May 30, 2014)

So what do we do when our minds become occupied by worry, fear or approval of others? Ask God for help. He hears every prayer! Read God’s Word and tuck His truth away in your heart. The more we fill our minds with His Word, the more our “occupations” will be pleasant. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell god your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.” Philippians 4:6 (The Living Bible)

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“Jesus, free us to live today defined by the gift of your righteousness and the wonders of your love. May the approval of people, the Dow Jones average, our own self-assessment, where we are in the Org Chart, or our failures or successes, matter nil compared to our union with you.” @ScottyWardSmith

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.