I’ve been watching a lot of Alone and catching up on the Olympics. Am I the only one who didn’t watch them live? We were camping in the middle of the Adirondacks when I started getting unwanted news notifications. More like spoiler notifications! Come on, who watches TV live anymore?
Joking aside, a powerful theme emerged from the survivalist TV show Alone and the gymnastic portion of the Olympics- our mindset affects our outcomes.
The best selling book Atomic Habits by James Clear talks about personal transformation through small changes. This book ranks number 2 in the category called Personal Transformation, however, this book ranks #1 in Social Psychology & Interactions. James Clear recognizes that transformation happens in the mind first. The book is not about trying harder, practicing longer and pushing yourself to your personal limits. It is all about the mindset needed to transform your daily routines, habits and practices, in the end yielding great results and lasting change.
The way we think, what we think and what we do with our thoughts impacts our life in dramatic ways.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles dropped out of two events in the middle of the olympics. Not because she was injured, not because she couldn’t physically do it. She’s more than capable. Her mind was what held her back! (Here’s one interview) The stress and intensity manifested itself in physical confusion. And she was unable to twist in the air.
If you’ve ever watched Alone, you know it’s not just about physical survival, it’s also about mental strength. Many contestants dropped out because of loneliness and depression rather than physical need. Brooke from Season 5 is a perfect example of that.
Likely we all have a lot to learn as it relates to mental health and the impact it has on us as Christians.
Here are 4 truths to reflect on:
1- We all have longing.
We all strive for something. Something motivates all of us. Without any longing, we’ll give up. If we were to lose all hope and get to a place where nothing can motivate us, we would give up on life itself.
Though, not all striving looks the same. You may not be a go-getter, but you’re still motivated by something. Maybe you strive for peace, rest and calm!
What do you long for? What motivates you to keep going? Above all else, what is it you want?
2- We are far more distracted than we realize.
While we may all have an ultimate longing, we aren’t always motivated by that. We easily focus on other things, and distract ourselves from what is truly important. Everywhere we turn things are calling out for our attention and time. Every direction we turn. Work, school, children, church, church events, finances, entertainment, shopping, house projects, meal times, errands, pets. Many of the contestants on Alone are admittedly loner types, yet, they still have a hard time when left alone with their thoughts and nothing to distract themselves.
3- We need to know how to battle our thoughts.
We must learn about the battle that takes place in our minds and learn to reject distractions. This includes being able to recognize when our thoughts are leading us astray or when we’re giving in to lies.
Many books have been published on this topic. Here are three recent ones: Get Out of Your Head, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table and Winning the War in Your Mind.
Louie Giglio says this: “The Enemy is constantly seeking to fill your mind with destructive and harmful thoughts—whether of fear, worry, insecurity, anxiety, temptation, envy. . . . It’s all too easy for Satan to manipulate his way into a seat at the table intended for only you and Jesus, and to try making himself at home in your mind. It’s an ongoing battle, but one you can win!”
If we’re not actively battling in our minds, our thoughts will lead us astray.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 talks about this battle clearly:
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
4- As Christians we must actively fix our eyes (or MINDS) on Christ.
We must learn not only how to battle distraction, invading thoughts and lies, but we must learn how to fix our mind on God and keep Him at the center.
Many people are familiar with God’s instructions to Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” He gave some variation of that command multiple times. But few people talk about the verse sandwiched in between that command. Joshua 1:8 reads: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Did you catch that? Meditating on God’s ways and words were how they were going to be strong and courageous. The same is true for us.
Father, help us to see what the real prize in life is. Speak your word to us as you spoke it to Abram in Gen 15:1, “I am your shield, your very great reward.” You are our reward God.
Help us to not be distracted by all that is going on in the world and be pulled this way and that. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you as we journey!
Here’s some more verses on meditating on God’s Word:
Psalm 1:1-6 ESV
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Colossians 3:16 ESV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Philippians 4:8 ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Jeremiah 15:16 ESV
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I am called by your name, Yahweh God of Hosts.
Deuteronomy 6:6 ESV
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
He said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
