Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
So we think, so we act. When we chronically dwell on anxious thoughts, when we allow our minds to dwell on sin and depravity, when we dwell too much on ease and comforts, the actions and feelings are not too far behind. And Jesus tells us to look up. We are not to dwell on the earthly rather on things above for a reason. It is to our folly to expect perpetual peace or continual joy or lasting comfort or contentment to come from anywhere, anyone, or anything but Christ. All else will be found wanting. He is the ever flowing fountain of these precious jewels. We always go seeking and looking, wishing and hoping for these in all the wrong places, Amen? We remain distressed and complaining souls when our expectations are low of heavenly blessings and high on earthly. Things of this earth will never fully satisfy – we will always be desirous of more.
We must learn to seek far more from God and far less from the earth. Heaven is our home and earth our passage. Truly men do not know the worth of what God offers them. Swine trample on pearls because they do not know their value. Jesus tells us when we remain in the Father’s love His joy is in us and our joy is complete (John 15:11). He also tells us in Him we will have perfect peace. When we are dealing with discontent and lack of joy our focus is askew. Look up. See the Son of righteousness, the glorious all-sufficient and eternal God and the excellencies of His glorious being and all else becomes a mere paste gem in lieu of the brilliant Diamond.
Finally, brothers, 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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)