What’s your biggest challenge right now? Breaking a bad habit, or putting a new one in place? Launching a new business, or turning an old one around? Recovering from a bad marriage, or making a good one better? Getting out of depression, or keeping yourself from falling into it? Paul gives us two powerful keys: 1) Set your mind in the right direction. 2) Keep your mind set in the right direction.

Setting your mind is the easy part, keeping it set calls for a daily commitment. Anybody can make a start, but you need the heart of a finisher. ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls’ (Hebrews 12:2-3 NKJV). The word ‘souls’ could be translated ‘feelings and emotions’. That’s where you’re susceptible to ‘become weary and discouraged’. A sober driver will get you safely to your destination, but a drunk one won’t! What’s driving your life? Your feelings? Your impulses? Your moods?

Here are two life-changing Scriptures: a) ‘We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). ‘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.…And the God of peace will be with you’ (Philippians 4:8-9 NIV).