As I’ve written about many times before, I am a planner. Being a planner means that I constantly have things on my mind as I try to anticipate what I need to get done and where I need to be. Years ago, I read a book that helped me add some organizations to these thoughts by encouraging me to not keep my to-do list in my head. Instead, increased productivity was promised if I would simply either write the task down and schedule it or complete it right away. While this certainly helped with freeing my thoughts from my list of to-dos, it didn’t completely cure my planning ways. My thoughts may not be focused on tasks, but they still are focused on the future, living in anticipation of what may be next.
For many this probably sounds like a good thing, however, as any planner can tell you, there is a fine line between being future-focused, and being a worrier. When you are constantly thinking of the things that you need to know or the opportunities that may (or may not) come your way, it’s easy to become obsessed with what “might be” rather than being content with what is. Our thoughts are indicative of what we treasure (see Luke 12:34) and if we’re constantly thinking of “what’s next” we are likely discontent with “what is.”
Scripture, however, encourages us that our thoughts shouldn’t be centered on the tasks to complete or the opportunities that we may have. Instead, as the Psalmist writes, the blessed person is the one whose “delight is in the law of the Lord” and who mediates on it “day and night” (Ps. 1:2). Our thoughts shouldn’t be focused on what our concerns and priorities, but instead they should be focused on God’s. Our desire should be that what is on our mind increasingly mirrors what is on His. Our contemplation should not be our list of to-dos, but the truth contained in His Word.
If we were to do this, if our thoughts were centered on His Word, than there wouldn’t be time or the opportunity for them to be consumed with our worries. If we were constantly focused on our Father, than we wouldn’t be hindered by our fears. Meditating on Him and His Word not only puts things into perspective, His perspective, it obliterates anything lesser that may seek to distract and sideline us. When we are consumed with what He has to say, we aren’t troubled by our own thoughts and considerations.
This is by no means easy. Regardless of whether you are a planner or a person of spontaneity, it takes discipline to center our internal dialogue on the truth of Scripture. However, God promises that when we do so we are “blessed” – not only because we are delighting ourselves in the same things that He is, but because we are demonstrating that our treasure, and our trust, are in Him.