We are only a few weeks into the year, but already I have found myself slipping into old patterns. Instead of keeping my focus on the positive things happening around me, I got sucked into the things that make me feel hopeless. It’s not unusual to feel sad about missed opportunities or poor choices, but it can affect your peace. When you focus too long on the difficult parts of life, those thoughts crawl into that open window and rob you blind.
In the midst of some very happy times, my mind wandered into the what-ifs. What if I had taken that job? What if I had spoken up when my feelings were hurt? What if I had done something when I was betrayed? As I said, it’s okay to wonder about things, but I allowed my thoughts to cloud my perspective. This wasn’t all bad though, it revealed bitterness and selfishness in me. I could say that I was surprised by the revelation, but honestly, I wasn’t. I think the only thing that surprised me was how much my emotions affected my outlook.
I went on this way for a few days, before it hit me. I woke up one morning and the word “reset” flashed in my mind with the strength of a liquor store sign. Resetting became my immediate mantra. I made a commitment to myself to reset my reactions, responses, and especially, my thought process. The best part was I wasn’t resistant to it. I knew in my heart that it was necessary. I had allowed things to go too far, and it was steadily stealing my peace.
What does it mean to reset? Resetting is the process of starting over when things are not working. When our phones don’t work, we turn them off and start them again. When our apps don’t work, we sign out and sign back in. This process can also be used to mentally shut down faulty thinking, poor habits, and emotional overloads.
Here’s what God gave me to get me back on track:
Recognize you are off-balance. You must see that your perspective, thinking, or actions are causing self-inflicted wounds.
Examine causes for your mental state. This is when you must be brutally honest with yourself. You may find that you are the problem. Even the acts of others only carry so much weight. When we give them our power, we must take responsibility.
Search out applicable scriptures to strengthen you. When you study and apply God’s word, his power becomes your power. There is a scripture for everything we need. Use your concordance in your bible, or just google it!
Enforce the choice to reset. You may find yourself blaming others or just ignoring your shortcomings again, but put a stop to it. Remind yourself that this isn’t about anyone but you. There is no room for self-righteousness, indignation, or masks.
Terminate every feeling of despair, hopelessness, and defeat. Resetting isn’t a one-time action. The battle for the mind will be present, but you can win through consistency and prayer.
If you are feeling edgy or out of sorts, consider a reset. If your emotions seem to be getting the best of you, a reset may help. Don’t get discouraged if you have to do it over and over. Keep the faith and press toward your goal. Your peace is on the line.
Reset your mind. Reset your peace.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Strengthen. Heal. Empower.
Image Credit: Whrelf Siemens
