Chew on This

Like a Cow Chewing Her Cud

Chew on this for a moment! Chewing on thoughts and ruminating on ideas consumes a large part of my day. It might be in the middle of the night, while driving, or anytime in between. Over and over again my mind processes one thought after another. Kind of like a cow chewing her cud. Chew, chomp, swallow, bring it back up and chew some more.

It could be something I did, was going to do, or something I failed to do. Then there is the daily stress of life, whether it’s work, an event, or a relationship, constantly attempting to distract me and fill my mind with fear, doubt, or anxiety. Of course, I can’t forget a great deal of joyous thoughts. There are just too many ways to count, how my mind will chew its way into uncharted territories.

Chewing on God’s Word

The Bible describes how many ways my mind will drift; a troubled mind (2 Kings 6:11), a depraved mind (1 Timothy 6:5), a sinful mind (Romans 8:5), a dull mind (2 Corinthians 3:14), a blinded mind (2 Corinthians 4:4), or a corrupt mind (2 Timothy 3:8). Oh, there are so many directions my mind can go. It seems there is no escaping what I may chew on next.

Unfortunately, allowing my mind to drift into captivity of the evil one is part of that reality. No, he cannot see what is on my mind, but he can pour fuel on the flames of my actions. This is what concerned Apostle Paul when he wrote to the Corinthians, “We can take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5). I need to corral my thoughts and continually work on this posture to help me through adverse rumination.

Set Your Mind On Christ

As I chew on a thought I need to remember, the tempter only needs cooperation from the one chewing. That is why I continually need to set my mind on Christ. I know it is easier said than done, but Paul encourages all of us in Romans 8:5, “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”  Whether it is a temptation or not, while chewing, I should invite the Holy Spirit as my guide. Recognizing that there are times when my mind will go astray.

It starts with praying to God for wisdom. Filling my heart and mind with the truth of God’s Word. Ultimately, with the intention of strengthening my positive thinking. With the help of God, I can work on the discipline of what I am chewing on. It will take intentional effort to train my mind to seek God for help in the midst of my good thoughts through the most challenging ones. But oh, how it will be worth it when the fruits of Godliness spring up within my soul. All the more reason to take the time to reflect on God’s Word. Using Scripture and prayer to help align what I chew on, with Christ… each day.

Lord, help keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Phil Bamesberger

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