Thriving is a Mindset

Thriving is a mindset, a set of beliefs you hold about your ability to reach the standard that God has set for your life. In 3 John 2, we see God’s desire for us to "prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers." This goes beyond mere survival; God wants us to thrive in every aspect of our lives, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Living just to survive limits what God wants to do in and through us. Our mindset is crucial, especially for our mental health. To thrive, we need a balanced mind, one that doesn’t overwork but works in harmony with God. This means continually seeking His face and moving forward under His guidance, without comparing ourselves to others. Each of our journeys is unique, and by keeping our eyes on Jesus, we allow Him to lead us into His greater plans, which are far beyond what we can imagine.

Rest is also essential to thriving. God invites us to rest, not just in a physical sense. He calls us to rest with Him in mind. When we do this, we acknowledge that His plans are bigger and better than our own. Resting in God brings a sense of relaxation and reduces stress, as we trust in the One who has our best interests at heart. However, thriving requires vigilance because the enemy is constantly setting traps to keep us from reaching our full potential. These traps are often subtle, appealing to our senses through things like social media, entertainment, and other distractions. While these things aren’t inherently bad, they can become addictive and consume our time, leading us away from God’s purpose.

The enemy knows that if he can capture our senses, what we taste, see, and touch, he can distract us from God’s calling. These distractions may offer temporary pleasure but often leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. The enemy’s goal is to keep us from thriving by diverting our focus from what truly matters.

God calls us to rise above these distractions, keeping our minds focused on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). When we seek God continually and allow Him to guide our steps, the power of these distractions and discouragements diminishes. We are then free to thrive in the way God intended, living lives that are aligned with His will and filled with His abundant grace.

Ultimately, thriving is about keeping Jesus always in view. God created us not just to strive but to thrive, living lives that reflect His goodness and purpose. When we embrace this mindset, we open ourselves to the fullness of life that God has prepared for us, avoiding the traps of the enemy, overcoming discouragement, and flourishing in the prosperity of our souls. After all, we were created simply to manifest God’s character to the world. That starts with a mindset to strive, which will give God the glory.

-Dr. Dana