2023 Word of the Year: Mindset

Spring is beautiful... at least indoors!

While the snow is still melting outdoors [our most recent storm was April 4th-5th], these lilac branches that I cut in on Palm Sunday are breaking out in beautiful, spring green!

What began as sticks covered in hard, brown buds...

...were cracking open to show bits of green three days later.

Day 7:

Do you ever feel as if you also "come to life" along with spring? 

In a sense, we view winter around here as a time of hibernation - spending many cosy evenings wrapped in blankets with handwork or a good book - especially a family read-aloud! But as the snow melts we once again see all the work waiting outdoors... gardens to be planted, flowerbeds and groves to be cleaned... and of course, the house siding to be finished by our carpenters.

In a spiritual sense, we seem to live through seasons as well. Early in 2023 God placed a word on my heart that pointed to where He would be leading me in the next season.

MINDSET

It has been years since I had a "word for the year," and I wasn't looking for this one. So at first I had to think, is this biblical? Doesn't the world talk about this in a godless way? Well, yes, our enemy has a way of taking the truth and twisting it to keep people searching for meaning and hope anywhere but in the true Source - God Himself.

But it didn't take long to remember passage after passage where we are told to have a godly mindset. For just a few examples:

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. - Mark 12:30

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  - Romans 12:2

See also: Isaiah 26:3, Romans 8:5-6, I Corinthians 2:16, Philippians 4:8-9, I Peter 1:13

We have heard how important it is to keep reminding ourselves of who we are in Christ. Yet how many (like me) have rarely purposefully done it? "Why bother?" we may think. "I know the facts, and I come across reminders in my Bible reading."

But lately it has become a lifeline for me to state biblical truths throughout the day - either direct quotes of verses or biblical declarations based on specific verses. 

NOTE: These declarations have nothing to do with the world's method of trying to boost self-esteem and mental health by stating "Positive Affirmations" which are so often just humanistic, self-centered mantras - if not flat-out lies.

I have come to realize that declaring the truth throughout my day is actually using the Sword of the Spirit [the Word of God] just as Jesus did when tempted. Just as David did over and over in the Psalms. And as Paul did in prison.

I can't be the only one whose mind is being bombarded with lies and discouragement... and all the more as our enemy sees us purposely drawing closer to God and renewing our minds in Christ! When I pay attention to the thoughts that hide behind my emotions and actions, they can too often be lies such as:

- You are too weak to take your thoughts captive today.
- You have every right to be upset about...
- How can you expect to ever be free from physical reactions that have ruled 9+ years?
- They don't deserve your forgiveness.
- You are a hopeless case. God can't use you.
- Today will be no different than yesterday.
- You're stuck for the rest of your life.

Do any of those sound familiar?!

BUT when I chose to declare scripture, these thoughts (leading to feelings and then to choices & actions) are rebuked for the lies they really are. And we know where lies come from...

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  - James 4:7

And we know where the truth comes from!

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. - John 14:6

So let's choose the truth, day after day... all throughout the day!

What scripture-truths help you most to keep a godly mindset through your days? Please share them in the comments to encourage us all!

Here are some of mine.

• I belong to Christ! He is the Truth, and I choose truth right now. 
• I am strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10)
• The joy of the Lord is my strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Your works are wonderful; I know that full well! (Psalm 139:14)
• No weapon formed against me shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)
• Greater is He who is in me than He who is in the world! (I John 4:4)
• The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want!... He restores my soul... (Psalm 23)
• God is giving me everything I need for life and godliness today. (2 Peter 1:3)
• God's perfect peace is mine when my mind and trust are fixed on Him. (Isaiah 26:3)
• God has forgiven me, so I can [and must] forgive others. (Colossians 3:13)
• God will bring to completion the work He has started in me! (Philippians 1:6)
• ...and so many more that God brings to mind at just the right time!

Sometimes one sentence will suffice for the skirmish, but at other times I have to string many together for blow after blow in the battle. And even when I don't "feel" the truth, it is still powerful! (Hebrews 4:12)

So if it still looks like wintertime in our souls, let's be at work planting seeds of Truth and Life in our minds every day. We will see the growth and fruit at the right time!