Mindfulness for the Spirit-Led Parent

"Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23).

This timeless wisdom speaks directly to the core of our parenting journey. Cultivating true mindfulness—a spiritual discipline rooted in God's Word—is essential in a world filled with distractions and anxieties. It's not about emptying our minds but filling them with the truth that transforms us, decarnalizing our desires, and aligning us with God's purpose.

The Power of Our Thoughts

Our thoughts are the seeds that blossom into our actions. Every decision, every interaction, begins as a thought. "The more we think in a particular way, the firmer that thought pattern becomes established as a mindset. This is why the Bible repeatedly urges us to be mindful. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Understanding this power is the first step toward intentional, God-centered parenting. What thoughts do you think?

Mindfulness in Self-Reflection

As parents, we must ask ourselves: "What thoughts fill my heart about myself, my spouse, my children, and those around me? Are they godly thoughts?"

Philippians 4:8 provides a powerful filter: "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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."

We must actively "audit the thoughts we think through the day, sifting out thoughts that are not aligned to God's word about us and our families." This empowers us to live as God's children and parents, guided by His truth.

The Bible also calls us to "cast down every evil imagination" (2 Corinthians 10:5). This means confronting negative thought patterns that contradict God's promises. Thoughts such as:

• With all I see in this child, would this child ever make it in life?

  
  

• The way my mind is going, I'm sure to go mad.

• How can my spouse speak so foolishly?" (Thoughts that make you disrespect and disdain your spouse!)

These thoughts negate the truth of God's word and His plan for us and our families.

Mindfulness in Our Interactions with Others

Mindfulness extends beyond our immediate family. "Are you quick to catch that negative thought about your colleague, business associate or even just an acquaintance?" Thoughts that spike up feelings of envy and unhealthy rivalry? (Galatians 6:4-5, 2 Corinthians 10:12-13)

We must examine the roots of our thoughts about others. Are they based on the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39)? How do we think about those we employ or interact with daily?

Mindfulness and God's Truth

As parents, our focus must be on "what is true". Truth is what God's word says about me, about my spouse and about my children." This isn't blind denial, but a recognition of God's sovereign power to redeem and transform. In essence, when we choose to mindfully focus our thoughts on what God says about us, we do not deny physical realities such as a health condition, or a difficult situation our family may be experiencing.

Abraham is an example; Romans 4:19-22 tells us he acknowledged his and Sarah's circumstances, yet he believed God's promise. Abraham mindfully processed his situation in alignment with what he knew of the nature of the God he believed in.

For the spirit-led parent, mindfulness means making God's word the auditor of the thoughts we think concerning us, our spouses and our children.

What thoughts do you consistently think?

Take a journal today and decide to write down 2 - 3 thoughts that you can capture each day. Capture them raw and without any filters. Do this for a week and look at the pattern of your thoughts. Are they aligned with God's word concerning you and your family?

• Are they empowering you to live a life of faith?

  
  

• Are they thoughts that help you see your child/children through the lens of God's word?

  
  

We know what God thinks about us, Jeremiah 29:11 captures His thoughts for us. But His thoughts concerning us can only be fulfilled when our thoughts align with His.

So if at the end of your one week of journaling you find that your mind is constantly filled with thoughts that undermine God's purpose and His communicated truth for your life, it's time to draw a line.

Take it before God in prayers and diligently watch your mind, making sure to begin countering any thought that is misaligned and disempowering, with the truth of God's word.

The Bible tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but powerful through God for pulling down strongholds, including negative thoughts that create a negative atmosphere for your faith to thrive.

Handling Intrusive Negative Thoughts

Some thoughts can be as perversive as they are debilitating to your spiritual life. Thoughts targeted at you from the very depths of hell, thoughts that come against you with such force you can literally feel them take over your body.

I have discovered from a personal experience that such thoughts may require you embarking on a fast. Like Jesus said in Mathew 17:21 (strange that some Bible versions have this verse taken out), certain demonic manifestations require a fast to be cast out. Setting aside a season to fast and pray about such intrusive negative thoughts can help. You pray and fast until you see that thought stripped out of your thought patterns.

The Philippians 4:8 Test

Use Philippians 4:8 as your daily thought-checker and ask yourself:

1. Is it true, based on God's Word?

2. Is it pure?

3. Is it honuorable and right?

4. Is it praiseworthy?

5. Is it respectful and kind?

 If a thought passes this test, give it your full focus.

Benefits of Mindfulness for the Spirit-led Parent

1. Gives clarity and strength to your spirit man. Your physical self is stronger when that strength comes from within.

2. A closer bond with God. Psalm 24:3-4

3. We become what we think, our parenting is shaped by the thoughts we think about our children. Having the right thoughts empowers us to raise children God's way.

4. A mind that is consistently locked in God's word gives access to real-time instructions from God concerning us, our children and our family.

Conclusion

As you go into this new week, be mindful!" Guard your heart, cultivate godly thought patterns, and experience the transformative power of aligning your mind with God's truth. Let God's word be your guide as you parent.