In Proverbs 23:7, we see an exhortation to guard our minds and hearts: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” What does this mean to me as a mother? Because I am a mother, I repeat myriad simple duties day in and day out: the meals, the dishes, the diapers, the homework, the laundry, the commute, the carpool, the story-time. I can find myself slipping into cruise-control. Initially this is not so bad—not a mental state of positive evil. It is not the tasks themselves that are the issue. It is simply that my thoughts can slide into a monotonous, neutral territory. My mind begins to wander into passivity and lose focus as I merely carry out what I am responsible for.
In this unfocused state of mind, my heart becomes more susceptible to the fleeting distractions of material things, my own basic appetites, or the temptation of the enemy to view my trials and purpose through a limited, narrow lens. My strength of purpose and passion as a leader in my home can spiral downward if I am not aware of where my mind and heart are dwelling. I can begin to feel aimless, and from there, I can even experience a sinking into a cocktail of spiritual ailments: discouragement, confusion, anxiety, and doubt.
Reading Proverbs 4:23, I see how important it is to guard my focus: “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” The remedy is clearly to re-focus on Christ. I must remember to practice the awareness of the presence of God. He has put his spirit within. I can direct my thoughts toward reveling in gratitude for all he has done in my life and all he plans to do. I can contemplate his deep love—Jesus comes to commune daily. I can meditate on his sacred Scripture which spells out anchoring, ancient truth. He is the lover of souls, desiring that his mamas flow in his life-giving love!
“So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn, and he will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth” (Hos 6:3).
This is exactly what happens to me so often. Life will feel monotonous and then I’ll be distracted with all kinds of worries and depressing thoughts. I never realized that one led to the other, I think you’re a genius for figuring that out! The connection never occurred to me before. Thank you for teaching me and for giving the antidote. This is going to be life-changing for me, and I’m not exaggerating.
So true, and encouraging! Thank you Jolly.
Thank you for sharing Liz and Mary! Oh, ask me how I know how this can happen ;)! So many times I have asked myself “how did I get here? this is NOT what I believe I should be dwelling on!” . . . and as I drill it backwards I can see a trend of how my mind wanders. Actively focusing on the riches of God’s loving truth (in gratitude of the small things and even in the hard unexpected moments) is a powerful tool to stay the course. Romans 12 talks about renewing our minds daily! Christ-mindedness is the medicine to avoid the spiral syndrome.
Beautifully said, if and when we let our guard down thoughts from every direction bombard our mind…then our feelings, attitude and actions spiral downward. We’ve got to be intentional on keeping our Focus& Attention on Christ…whom at the end of the day we serve, by serving our husbands and children. It’s not the size of the task at hand that matters; but the attention love, kindnes and patience we transmit as we do those tasks that matters!