Daily Devotions
A Mind Consumed By the Lord
Reading for December 14th: 2 Thessalonians 1-3
And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.
2 Thessalonians 3:4
The apostle Paul's letters are literally packed with references to the Lord. In almost every sentence (or at least every other) you'll find some mention of God, Christ, Jesus, Lord, etc.
This emphasis reveals a unique perspective that Paul possessed. The Lord literally permeated and dominated all his thoughts. If a problem arose, he thought of the Lord. As he searched for solutions, he thought of the Lord. As he thought of the good things in his life, he thought of the Lord. As he thought of the positive things in the lives of others (as in this verse), he thought of the Lord.
What did this perspective do for him? First of all, it made him more thankful. He never took credit for himself. His mind was so full of the Lord, there simply was no room for self.
Second, it made him more positive. No matter how bad things looked (for himself or for others) thoughts of the Lord kept him from despair.
Finally, it made him more focused. Selfish concerns were kept at bay because all of his goals in life found their end in Christ.
Father, give us a mind like Paul's. Help us to lose all thoughts of self and think only of you.
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