Isn’t it crazy that outside of our minds is an environment that is living and breathing, waiting to be explored? Imagine if we were able to separate the two. That being- our minds and this outside environment. Notice we often tie the two together? For example, the misery inside of our minds now becomes our miserable environment too. If our minds are miserable, then we think the world looks miserable also. Or, when we’re feeling ecstatic, everyone gets to benefit from our great mood full of laughter, fun, and smiles. However strongly it is that we feel in our hearts, our actions will begin to reflect that. I got to thinking and realized how often this truly happens. But why?
Proverbs 23:7 NKJV- For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
On the flip side, if we see a miserable environment, then we can’t let that negative visual invade our hope within. We have to connect with the hope that is on the inside or… get this… change our environment. This separation is imperative. Otherwise, everything blends together as one big chaotic mess.
Mind Placement
You see, Christ has always desired for us to remain and gravitate in our minds toward the things of the Spirit vs. that of the flesh, and with the things that are from above and not the things that are below. He would desire for us to become unwavering and fixed on His Word, and allow that to renew and transform our minds. There’s a certain placement we are to keep our minds around that is contrary to any negative thoughts in our minds, as well as the negative environment we see that overwhelms us. Why? Because negative thoughts can lead to negative actions, doubt, defeat, or even sin. For starters, when we keep our minds in a connection with Jesus, we will no longer feel completely alone in our minds or alone within the environment around us. This is because we know of His capability to provide us with that additional peace and His presence.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV- You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Negative Nancy
From another perspective, it can often be challenging to understand from the outside, what’s going on with other people from the inside. Maybe for yourself, you know how to reason within and use composure by keeping your internal emotions separate from others on a frustrating day. But for others, their emotions might be on full display. For example, have you ever spoken with a negative person and were thinking, “What’s their problem?” “I wonder why they become so frustrated?” We find ourselves saying, “Look around.” “It’s really not that serious.”
The fact that we all view things differently demonstrates that it is never just one view, but millions of views, rather than just how we decide to view things. The mind is very complex and can become easily unbalanced. If it wasn’t so, then there wouldn’t be so many different mental states of instability that can cause breakdowns, danger, anger, or toxic- verbal abuse. With this “view” that causes this person to display such a negative presence, it feels as though they only see from merely one side- which is the bottom of a half-empty glass. And that negative Nancy on the inside spills out and over into the people and environment around them. They may just need God’s healing from a heart level and a brand new and separate perspective. Once they’ve come away from their negative perspective, they can allow a positive perspective to become their full view inside and out. So do pray for them.
For many, many other people, it is just too hard for them to see people greater than their present selves. Why you ask? Because of their past negative visuals of that person. They have not allowed a separation of the past from the present. Could it be that they’re hurting so badly that their mind becomes fixed to determine who that person will always be? Remember, that is not how God continues to view that person. This is why God calls us out of these negative areas of thinking into a view of true identities, true potential, and a true mindset. Isn’t it wonderful that He doesn’t think of us the way we think of ourselves and others?
Isaiah 55:8 NIV- For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord.
When Separation in the Mind Is Beneficial
Separation in our mind can be beneficial when we need to walk in faith and see in the spirit what hasn’t yet come to pass. It is beneficial when we speak to those things that are not as though they were, or for understanding and discerning good from evil. We have to be able to distinguish in our minds the natural from the supernatural and the truth from the lie. This way we know how to tell when God is doing a thing and to know and believe that He can change the very reality we see today. Yes, it can look different!!
So the next time you wake up in the morning, if you’re hurting, look at the expansion of possibilities in front of your eye’s view. Then ask yourself, “What could this day become with this beauty around me?” “How could my senses and vision be refreshed with a brand-new view?” Go for a drive. Sit under an umbrella on a patio and sip your favorite beverage and take in the fresh air. Spend time in peaceful meditation with God, or with a friend who makes you laugh and smile. Maybe even take a trip with lovely scenic visuals to begin to re-write those once negative images and replace them with brand new thoughts. Separate those negative thoughts from the positive ones and live on from a place of light. You’re worth it!
Philippians 4:8 ESV- 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.
