We live in a chaotic world, and it takes a toll on our mental health. Our minds are constantly racing, leaving us unable to find peace. But there must be a better way. Pastor Lisa Seaton gives us the practical keys and biblical wisdom to cultivate a sound mind.
Notes 📓✏️:
A Sound Mind – Pastor Lisa Seaton
Have you heard of MAY-CEMBER?
And maybe your schedule doesn’t feel extremely chaotic, but perhaps your mind does
(Chaos Thinking).
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 (NIV) – “What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest…”
Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to Me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Follow My teachings and learn from Me. I am gentle and do not have pride. You will have rest for your souls.”
1). Sow Strategically
Sow strategically, not just emotionally.
Hosea 8:7 – “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”
The wind:
Temper
Anger
Impatience
Discontentment
Uncontrollable Impulse
Emotion
Trouble
Proverbs 23:7 ASV – “For as he thinketh within himself, so is he…”
Your input affects your output.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Power
Love
Sound Mind
2 Timothy 1:7 (ISV) – “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2). Stillness Over Striving
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Still = Cease striving
Matthew 3:17 – “And a voice from heaven said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”
Philippians 4:6–8 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”
3). Dig Deep
Philippians 4:8 – “…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”
Psalms 84:5-7 (NIV) – “Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, til each appears before God in Zion.”
The valley of Baca is translated “the valley of weeping.”
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- What does Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 reveal about the source of our mental and emotional exhaustion?
- What are some practical ways to practice stillness over striving, as mentioned by Pastor Lisa?
- How does sowing strategically relate to creating a sound mind and more peaceful life?
- How can we take captive our negative thoughts and replace them with thoughts that align with God’s truth and love?