home > Pastor’s Desk > 2023 > February 3rd > Fixedly Fixed
Fixedly Fixed
A number of years ago (back in the day!), I was offered the opportunity to do the Myers Briggs Personality test at my place of work. I was keen to do it! I always like understanding more about myself so I can grow. It was an interesting process, and I loved reading the final summary. One thing it suggested is that I’m generally easy going, but under extreme stress I tend to catastrophise.
Hmmm. Guilty as charged. (Seriously? How can a heap of questions come up with that?)
When we feel stressed, it is so easy for us to become fixated on things, especially things that are stressing us. Our minds can swirl in a perfect storm of thoughts, emotions and fears. Our thoughts can become consumed with our circumstances – whether it’s a conflict, financial worry, a health issue, a relationship, something that’s we’ve done wrong or any other of a multitude of scenarios.
Sometimes I’ll ask Stephen what he’s thinking about. I’m always stunned when he replies “nothing”. How is that even possible?
I’m always thinking. Any other overthinkers out there? Any fellow catastrophise-ers reading this?
The problem is that when we start overthinking and catastrophising, our minds are fixed on the wrong thing: our circumstances, or our problems, or ourselves. With the tendency of being an overthinker, it’s something I have learnt to intentionally guard against, and still need to be mindful of.
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
Ephesians 4:17
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5
There are a few problems with keeping our focus on our circumstances. Whatever we focus on becomes become bigger and bigger. We see our own weaknesses and feel inadequate.
I’ve mentioned in the past that we should be like a manual camera. An automatic camera focuses on whatever is placed in front of it, move the camera and the object of focus changes. With a manual camera, the focus is set.
We should be like a manual camera, with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Dallas Willard, in his book, Life without Lack, writes that “the ultimate freedom we have as individuals is the power to select what we will allow or require our minds to dwell upon and think about… we have the ability and responsibility to keep God present in our minds, and those who do so will make steady progress towards him, for he will respond by making himself known.”
I love that reminder that we do actually have freedom to control of what we think.
Sometimes I feel like I can’t stop thinking about circumstances, but I the hard truth is I can. How? By fixing my mind on something else. Is it easy? Nope! How about filling our mind with the truth of God’s Word and His nature and character. We can recall Scripture verses we know, or read God’s Word, or listen to a podcast or sermon. We can ask, “what does God’s Word say about this?” and look for the answer! I often ask Holy Spirit to speak to me, and many times I’m reminded of a verse of Scripture. Sometimes going for a walk or doing something else helps. Taking time to fill our eyes with God’s glorious creation, and notice the beauty we’re surrounded with, can help us clear our mind and refocus.
When we gaze on Christ, when we remind ourselves of the depths of God’s love for us, when we remember His sovereignty over our circumstances, when we focus on His faithfulness (He’s never dropped the ball, and He won’t start now!), when we remember His grace towards us… our perspective changes and instead of seeing an overwhelming problem we see the problem-solver! We remember that everything will be okay (even if it’s hard). Instead of fear and anxiety, our hearts are filled with peace and faith and hope. We find it easier to pray, to surrender, to let go and leave it with God.
Our God is so very great – and the invitation is to know Him, to trust Him, and to rest in His grace and care of us. He’s got this!
Let’s fixedly fix our gaze on Jesus! Let’s put our faith in Him, not ourselves or others.
As I look ahead of this year, there are so many beautiful invitations God is extending to me personally and to our church. By God’s grace, I want to live with joy and peace and faith this year.
Let me leave all you fellow-over-thinkers with the beautiful words of Philippians 4:6-7 – a reminder to pray, a promise of peace, and an instruction on what to fill our minds with.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:6-8
Amen.
Your Care Team Pastor,
Donna
Let me know what you think below in the comment section and feel free to share this someone who might benefit from this Pastor’s Desk.
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Yes Donna AMEN.
Thanks Donna! Nice reminder…
Thanks Donna – a reminder every day
Words to live by, thank you Donna!