Think of These Three Things for My Own Mental Health

In review of Hebrews 12:3 it says, “Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying” (NCV).

Today's verse comes from Hebrews 12:2-3. In it Paul tells me to keep my eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects my faith. Because of the joy that awaited him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then I won't become weary and give up.

As I face hardship and discouragement, it it easy to lose sight of the big picture. But I'm not alone; there is help. Many before me have already made it through life, enduring far more difficult circumstances than what I have or am currently experiencing. Suffering is the training ground for my maturity. It develops my patience and makes my final victory sweeter.

I’m reminded this morning that God wants me to be healthy in every area of my life; emotionally, spiritually, and physically. For mental health, I must focus my mind on the right things.

Think about Jesus. There’s a saying, “You become what you think about most.” If you want to become more like Jesus, I need to fill my thoughts with him.

Hebrews 12:3 reminds me to, “Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying” (NCV).

Think about others. The Bible says in Philippians 2:4, “Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing” (TLB).

This is countercultural, as our world teaches is to think about ourselves and nobody else. But Jesus was countercultural, and when I think about him, I’ll more naturally think of others.

Think about eternity. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT). When I start focusing on truths like that, all of my problems will seem inferior compared to the glory, the joy, and the pleasure of the things awaiting us in eternity.

My mind is my greatest asset and also the greatest battleground. Ask God to help me make the choice every day to feed on His Word, free my mind of destructive thoughts, and fill it instead with Jesus, others, and eternity. Then I’ll have won the battle.

Bottom Line:

Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

What this means to me:

If I want to keep from becoming faint hearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him, then don't be discouraged in my own situation.

In summary, when I feel the pressures around me and want to give up, think about and keep my eyes on Jesus and his example. I become what I think about most. Like Jesus I should also think of others, not just my own situation. I should also think about eternity, as this life is not all there is. So make the choice to fee on his Word, free my mind of destructive thoughts and fill it instead with Jesus, others and eternity.

Thank you Father for this brief reminder. I shouldn’t focus just on myself. You are here to help me. I should not give up but look to what your doing to build me. I’m to focus on Jesus and help others. This morning Father I pray for your continued wisdom and guidance in handling my responsibilities, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!