OCTOBER 15 | COLOSSIANS 2:20-3:5
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
A Battle of the Mind
By Judy Webb
“Set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2 ESV)
Do you find yourselves worrying about things that don’t really matter? Things that we can’t take with us into eternity. If we can’t take them with us but must leave them behind, what good are they? Is your prayer journal filled with requests for your comfort? I know mine often holds such meaningless items. Now, there is nothing wrong with seeking earthly comfort, but I find it is time to set my mind on things that are above.
It was eye-opening for me to realize what little thought I gave to heaven, to the place that is my real home. Why is that? Is it because I don’t believe it? It is because I am still caught up with life here on earth, the place which isn’t my home. The place where troubles abound. I finally found comfort when I examined this fact…this is not my home; I am merely an alien waiting to be removed and taken to my true forever home.
No matter the chaos I have in my life, or maybe because of that chaos, I need to fix my mind on eternal things, my eternal and everlasting home. This may sound like a bit of a downer, but I finally understand this. “For the life of every living thing is in His hand, and the breath of every human being.” (Job 12:10 NLT)
My word for 2026 has been PEACE and the scripture I have been using is from Philippians 4:8 (NLT). “And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about such things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” I see this text as a parallel to “Set your minds on things that are above.”
This is where I really find peace when I think about such things and discard the noise and hate around me.
PRAYER
Dear Father,
Thank you for the wisdom you provide each time we study your word and apply it to the hear and now. Open our eyes to see your love and grace in every circumstance.
Help us to see the blessings that lie hidden in the trials of our lives. --(From Streams in the Dessert, Oct 5.)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for almost 20 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Judy, thank you for the reminder to keep set our minds on things above. There are many days when I forget that we are on the path toward Heaven. Eternal life with Jesus is the reason for our hope!
Thank you Judy for the encouragement as I go get my first chemo infusion this morning.
I think it would be easier to do that if I was in a place such as a convent! Life is all around...out of my control. Peace comes and goes. Every morning is a new challenge to give it all to God.