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On my recent trip to SE Asia I experienced this almost daily. I saw and experienced so many things in a day that by the time my head hit the pillow at night, I couldn’t think of another thing, let alone analyze anything I had seen. So I’d just go to sleep and pray for a fresh start the next morning. The problem was that I just added more experiences and sights to my already overloaded brain.
It’s
been two weeks now since I’ve returned and I’m recalling incidents that I could
never have remembered or thought about there. It’s amazing how our brains store
such pieces of information.
For
fun, I read through magazines that have little impact upon my life. Oh I might
find a recipe I’ll stash away for the future or I’ll read a section on weight
loss and wonder if I’ll ever lose the weight I need to lose, but for the most
part, it’s just something light.
In
a recent article I saw a little blurb about coloring. Now I love to color. I’ve
just never been in the habit of coloring without my children or grandchildren. But
according to this little paragraph, perhaps I should consider it more often.
According
to British researchers, “coloring just two minutes can increase your mental energy
by as much as 29%.” These researchers believer that “the repetitive, precise
motion stimulates the brain’s alertness center.”[i]
Yes
that is one way, but another way to increase mental energy is by saturating it
with God’s Word and His message.
Scripture
tells us that God examines our minds (Psalm 7:9; Psalm 26:2; and Jeremiah 17:10).
Our minds are the one place we can hold secrets from our earthly friends and
family, but God knows those secrets. He gets into the nooks and crannies and
knows our thoughts. When I think of it this way, I am even more determined to
keep the awful thoughts out.
So
just how can we free our minds of unwanted thoughts and mental exhaustion?
Romans 12:2 (NIV) gives us insight. “Do
not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s
will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We must first allow God to
transform our minds.
Then
our minds need a new attitude. “You were
taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off our old self, which is
being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your
minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness
and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 – NIV)
Our
minds must be prepared and ready for action. “Therefore, 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)
So
what are the results? First, we’ll gain peace. But just not any peace, you’ll
gain God’s perfect peace. “You will keep in
perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah
26:3 – NIV)
And
then, because your mind is set on God, you’ll be able to pray more effectively. “The end of all things is near. Therefore be
clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7 – NIV)
So
if your mind is faltering, flailing, or feeling fatigued, you have a few
options. You can color or you can rely on God’s strength, wisdom, and expertise
in renewing, restoring, and refreshing your mind.
Let
me know what works for you. How do you keep your mind focused when you are most
distracted? How do you use God in situations like this? Are you a colorer or a
depender? Perhaps you are both? Whatever it is, let me know. I’d love to hear
from you!
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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