I have had a siege of painful migraine headaches in the past couple of weeks. I never know when I will get one and they can come upon me without warning. My headaches can sometimes be triggered by fatigue or stress but frequently they seem affected by the barometric pressure. If a storm is brewing or rain is in the forecast, I will often begin to feel sick. My only recourse is to get my medication as quickly as possible, and retreat to a dark and quiet room. Then I can hope the pain will diminish quickly.
In a similar way, the barometer of our soul is our mind. The Bible tells us to set our minds on the things of the Spirit. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires: but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires”. (Romans 8:5)
Meditating on things that the Spirit desires, is filling our thoughts with Biblical teachings of Jesus and how God desires us to live our lives. Spending time in prayer, reading God’s word, memorizing Scripture, associating with and edifying our Christian friends, showing love and reaching out to non-Christian friends – all this brings God glory and honors the Spirit of God! Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things”.
Colossians 3:2 says “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”. Therefore, a sinful nature must “put to death sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed.” (Colossians 3:5) “But now, rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other.” (Colossians 3:8)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Forgive, as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity”.
(Colossians 3:12-14) “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts”. (Colossians 3:15) “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stedfast because he trusts in You”. (Isaiah 26:3)
From time to time, it is good and necessary to check the setting on your mental barometer; I’m checking mine right now!