When Thoughts are Scattered

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling,
fix your thoughts on Jesus.” – Hebrews 3:1


Scattered thoughts are common, especially this time of year when we have so many commitments, activities, and preparations to make.  Most days I feel like a human pinball bouncing from task to task, and thought to thought trying to score some points, and maybe win a game.

photo by Kapungo on Flickr

 

Everything feels wrong, disjointed, and heavy.

 

Scattered thoughts make me waste my time doing useless things like rearranging furniture, or remixing items from this room to that one.  Creating “project tangents” that sap my strength, time, and focus.

 

They leave my mind troubled too.  My clarity becomes foggy, and my purpose unsure; making it a dangerous time for falling away from the path the Lord has paved for me.

 

So how can we fight off these scattered thoughts, and live and think more intentionally?  Is it even realistic to let them go while so much is pressing down on us?

 

I believe it’s essential that we do.

The Apostle Peter tells us to, “Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13 NIV)  He also says it again in 1 Peter 4:7, “The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”

 

Mental alertness and self-control allows us to invest our time and talents where they will make an eternal difference.  Remember, Christ is coming at an hour and a time unknown to us.

 

I know what you’re thinking…”That sounds great, Raye, but how do we slow down the flow, and redirect our thoughts heavenward?”

 

Here are a few suggestions:

Align your priorities through prayer.  Start everyday asking God for daily direction.  Don’t get sidetracked on detours, but rather, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25 NIV)

 

Get off Earth.  Not in a rocket, but through God’s Word.  Turn off the news, and be purposeful in what goes in your ears, and through your eyes.  The Bible is truth.  How much earthly truth have you come across lately?

 

Clear your head.  Many thoughts we dwell on are fear-inspired.  Writing down what troubles us can put things in better perspective. When you’ve written all you can, turn it into a prayer to the Lord, and let him release you of it – and don’t pick it back up again!

 

Be determined and steadfast.  This isn’t a once-and-done process, and some days we’re going to feel too tired to push onward.  We are promised the path of righteousness if we, “Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.” (Proverbs 4:26 NIV).

 

 

Lord, thank you for being a God of peace.  I give you this day, and ask that your mighty hands direct my steps.  Keep me focused on eternal thoughts.  Help me to fix my mind on you.  Use my time and talents for your purpose, and release me from any fears that would hold me ineffective.  Cover me with your Truth so that it is a shield against waywardness.

 

Question:  How do you practice intentional thinking?  Share with our readers below.

3 Replies

  1. Amy slinker

    Has been a challenge for years , seems to be getting some better lately, won’t give up trusting God for the victory , although I tend to often think , He wishes it didn’t take me so long to walk in what He’s already given me ‍♀️

  2. Lori West

    Just what I needed to hear this season. I tend to be a Martha and keep myself too busy with items I deem important that have not eternal importance. Thank you for the reminder!

    1. Comforting to know your not alone. May you have a blessed week Lori!

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