A New Mind

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A new mind - for anyone who has battled the cold, dark vacuum of depression, is an intriguing thought. A new mind, one which perceives the world differently and is not racked in chaos, is intriguing. Barring a new mind, one may wish for a way to restart the old mind. Some may seek a mind which has no color of its past, but is clear and calm, freed of any recollection of past storms.

Or, we may seek a whitewashed mind. The idea of a newly, wiped-clean mind does not make it a new mind. A whitewashed mind functioning within the context of old thinking patterns will quickly be soiled. The need is not for a new mind, but for accepting a renewing of the mind to conform one's thoughts closer to those of Christ. As Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing if your mind..." (Romans 12:1-2).

The renewing of the mind, from depressed to balanced, means renewing our thought patterns, changing our focus and looking more directly on matters of an eternal nature. It requires seeking more the will of God rather than seeking success, or dwelling on cares which "so easily beset us" (Hebrews 12:1). It requires focusing our thoughts on things above; looking for that city.

Christ is glorified more by an old mind which has been renewed, than by a new mind or a whitewashed mind. The blessing of a renewed mind partly derives from knowing the state of the old mind. As Jesus works through one's life towards the renewing of the mind, the previous state is a benchmark, a means of measuring how far His transformation has moved the mind. Just as light appears brightest when compared to the darkness which it overcomes, there are blessings to be counted when comparing one's old mind to a renewed mind.

What depressed people truly need is a balanced mindest. More than a new mind or a whitewashed mind, God's purposes in our lives are served best through a balanced mind. Ecclesiastes 7:18 teaches, "The man who fears God will avoid all extremes." Certainly, the evils exercised in the name of God or the heresies procalimed as truth result from minds anchored in the extremes. When our thoughts veer to the extremes, we are most prone to sin and darkness. Therefore, as we press on towards finding light, our aim is not for whitewashing, but for rebalancing the mind.

Know it is in God's power to renew and balance our minds if we submit to His will, focusing on His purpose. As David wrote in Psalm 13, we may wonder, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrowed in my heart?" David answers the mournful question, saying, "But, I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation." Through unfailing love Jesus changes our thought patterns, renews our focus, and takes full reign over our past thoughts, working them for good. This is far better than starting with a clean slate, with no appreciation for His good working.
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