Made New: A 15–Day Devotional on Colossians 3 With Jada EdwardsSample

A new identity in Christ requires new thinking. But redirecting our minds from the stresses of life doesn’t happen automatically. In today’s devotional, Jada shows us how to direct our minds to Christ-centered thoughts using Scripture.

Reflect

Just like a boat is steered by a rudder, our thoughts steer our emotions, actions, and decisions. When our thinking swirls out of control with “what ifs” and worries, we fall into needless anxiety. Think of a recent occasion when worry led you into fear and anxiety. What did it take for you to calm your mind after letting “what ifs” take over for a while?

One way to encourage right thinking, Jada said, is to practice 2 Corinthians 10:5, “. . . take every thought captive to obey Christ.” When we ask God to help with our worries, He can calm us and remind us of what matters most. When you wrestle through troubles or worries, how do you incorporate God’s Word into your thinking? How does it influence your emotions? Your next steps?

Some of our most pressing anxieties create more fear than they are worth. So, when we get anxious, it can be helpful to ask ourselves, “Will this matter in eternity?” When we “seek the things above,” we remind ourselves that God and his purposes matter most, and the normal stresses of life will pass. What practice do you have, or can you start, to evaluate your anxieties? During stressful occasions, how can you focus on remembering the truths you know about God?

Respond

The more we renew our minds by studying Scripture, the better equipped we will be to see the world the way God does. When we encounter difficult seasons and temptation, God’s truth will direct our thoughts and guide our decisions.

Make a plan to read Scripture regularly—daily if possible. Challenge yourself to study one book of the Bible in-depth rather than turning to a random passage. Write down your observations, ask questions, and apply what you learn.