It can be difficult to clear our heads of so many pressing concerns, anxieties, fears, burdens, sorrows, and troubles. Just calling it difficult is understatement. Gaining a clear mind in order to focus on spiritual things is work. It is like being in the middle of a dust storm and trying to breathe. Filtering out all the dust to find a clean breath of air is not going to happen till all the dust settles. How can we think about things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and virtuous when our lives are filled with so many things that pollute our thoughts?
How do we get our heads above the pollution? Colossians 3:1-2 may help. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” In our worship, Bible study and prayer life we must learn to fix our eyes on Jesus and “seek those things which are above.” We lift our heads above earthly stuff. When we look to Jesus our minds are redirected toward things that are lofty, heavenly, Godly, holy, divine, lovely, pure, virtuous, and praise-worthy. We can’t fill our minds with heavenly things unless Jesus, our Lord is in the picture.
When Paul gives us some things to think about in Philippians 4:8, he does so with Christ at the center of it all. In verse 4 he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” In verse 10 he reminds his readers, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly . . . .” He also reminds us in verse 13, that when it comes to doing difficult things, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The letter to the Philippians is written to “all the saints in Christ Jesus.” I’m reminded of a song recorded by Israel and New Breed.
Jesus at the center of it all, Jesus at the center of it all From beginning to the end, It will always be, it's always been You Jesus, Jesus From my heart to the Heavens Jesus be the center It's all about You Yes it's all about You
When Jesus is at the center of our meditations, many lofty, heavenly, Godly, holy, divine, lovely, pure, virtuous, and praise-worth thoughts flood our minds and hearts. What fresh air we breath when first our minds are set on Him.