Rest Your Mind

When I have a problem, if I am not careful, my mind starts to wander. I experienced this the other day when I had been facing multiple challenging problems at the same time for a couple of months. As I was working in the kitchen, the problems were ruminating in my mind and suddenly the lyrics to the famous song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” came to my mind:

O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

As followers of Jesus we have the privilege to know our Saviour as our friend (John 15:15) and he is the most faithful friend. He tells us to bring our cares and concerns to him (1 Peter 5:7) and he promises to help us (Isaiah 41:10). When problems circulate in our mind we have to be adamant to take every thought captive and make it obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). God does not tell us to meditate on our problems. He says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians‬ 4‬:8‬)

Instead of problems taking up space in our thoughts we can choose to pray about our problems and then fill our thoughts with gratitude and praise. This can be hard especially when we are feeling weary but God says that when we resist temptations they will flee (James 4:7) and he will provide a way out. One way out that he provides to resist the temptation to worry about our problems is to listen and sing to worship music. Even when I’m finished listening and singing to music, the words often replay over and over in my mind, keeping worrisome thoughts away.

After we bring our cares and concerns to him, we can sing about the amazing promises of God because he loves us and he acts for those who wait for him (Isaiah 64:4). Here are some to reflect on:

God loves me (1 John 3:1)
God is near me (Psalm 145:18)
God is in me (Galatians 2:20)
God hears my prayers (Psalm 116:2)
God will help me (Isaiah 41:10)
God is my refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1)
God will guide me (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God will supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19)
My victory comes from God alone (Psalm 62:1)

*Father God, thank you for all of your amazing promises that I can focus on and sing about when my thoughts become worrisome. Please give me the strength to resist dwelling on my problems and to sing praises to you. *

Throughout this day: Here are some worship songs that will help you focus on the promises of God instead of your problems.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness | Anthem Lights


Charity Gayle - You Keep Your Promises (Live)


Cody Carnes – Firm Foundation (He Won’t) (Official Lyric Video)


Casting Crowns - God of All My Days (Official Lyric Video)