Our mind is such a powerful thing! Our mind performs so many functions. Our entire body is not able to function if our brain isn't working. Our brain was created so complexly by Father God that even the smartest of men only know how 10% of the brain works. When we put that into perspective, why do we tend to spend so much time on processing and analyzing our life situations? We often spend too much time on things that we will never be able to work out. That's not a good use of time management in anyone's book.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
As God created the human brain, God knows 100% of how the human brain works. So when God's Word tells us to focus our minds on the lovely things that bring peace, we need to do it. Anything that God asks us to do is the best use of our time.
Due to my busy schedule these past few weeks, I changed my schedule around, especially my morning routine. I moved around my God time to meet some of my scheduled obligations. I'm guarded with the time I spend with Him and didn't think a whole lot about moving God from one time slot to another, after all I was still making sure that my quiet God time was in my schedule. But just a few days of a new schedule, I heard the Holy Spirit say "I'm first, renew your mind." In the midst of my busy schedule, I wasn't renewing my mind first thing in the morning. My God time, my quiet time with Him, was moved to late afternoon. And once it was that time in the afternoon I was feeling so tired. I chalked this up to my schedule and lack of sleep. But due to my tiredness I was less attentive during my God time.
Once I heard the Holy Spirit correct me, I realized why I was tiring in the afternoon. I was approaching my day in my own strength and not God's strength. Even though I've been so careful to renew my mind each morning for years, just a few days of not having it at the start of my day, was clearly evident. Sometimes we think that we have "stored up" some of the things of God, but as the Holy Spirit flows through us, we aren't storing it up, we are a vessel that God just flows through. This schedule change demonstrated to me; the importance of renewing your mind to fuel your day and how much we actually depend on God and His strength to get us through our day. As I have disciplined myself to do this for years, yet could notice it almost immediately, I can see why so many people are growing weary these day.
It seems like every day I hear more and more women talk about how they are tired, overworked, overwhelmed, depressed, and/or hopeless. But the answer is simple - we just need to read scripture, even if it's just one verse, and allow the Truths of God to wash over us. It's honestly just that simple. Our brain sometimes has a hard time with "simple" because the world has taught us to process and analyze, but God's ways are simple and God's ways are necessary. By starting our day off with God's word, it's healthier for us. We tend to discipline ourselves in so many other ways, like putting gas in our car before the tank is actually empty. Our body needs God's fuel, before it gets empty. We need to discipline ourselves to fuel ourselves up before we try to drive around for the day.
I love the lessons that God teaches us. (I especially love them when they are relatively easy... ha ha ha.) I'm thankful that the Holy Spirit pointed this out to me after only a couple days, instead of couple weeks. And everything the Lord teaches me, and reminds me of, I know it's also for the benefit of others. And that's true for all of us.
The beauty of being in Christian community is so that we can teach one another, learn from one another, and support one another. Each one of us is called to do all three of those things. Each of us are called to teach, learn, and support each other. This is why, at Trumpets of Tirzah, we call our students "Treasures." Each woman is already a leader in some form or fashion, regardless of age or life experience. Each woman has something unique that she brings into her community, just like her own fingerprints, which can't be duplicated. That's why I LOVE to see how God brings a new group of Treasures each fall. God brings a group of women together, intentionally, because there are group benefits that are just related to that specific group. It's so amazing to see what God does and how the group blesses one another each year.
A genuine community, walking with the Lord, will share their hearts and grow together as they grow closer to God. That means we have to do it God's way so we ARE growing closer to Him as we journey. And that also means renewing our mind, and fueling our day, with Him and His Word. It takes discipline, but it's simple and will get you through with strength and joy.
If you are looking to become a part of a community of women that are pursing the Lord and His ways, join one of our events. Or better yet, I encourage you to pray about joining us for 9 months.