Setting My Mind on Things Above
Discussions with the Lord
Today’s Abide Above devotional, “Unwarranted Disappointment,” struck a chord with me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve been reflecting lately on how easy it is to slip into self-effort, even without realizing it—setting expectations for ourselves that inevitably end in disappointment. The reminder in today’s devotional was both refreshing and instructive: self-disappointment comes from expecting something good from the flesh, rather than leaning fully on the grace of God and the indwelling life of Christ.
The Trap of Self-Disappointment
C.A.C. wisely observes:
"Where there is no expectation, there can be no disappointment."
When we find ourselves disappointed—frustrated by yet another failed attempt to “do better” or “be better”—it’s a clear sign that we’ve unknowingly placed hope in ourselves, relying on our old fleshly living patters of the crucified old man. Romans 7:18 reminds us:
"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells.”
Despite knowing this, how often do we try harder, rededicate ourselves, and resolve to improve, only to be met with more frustration? It’s because we are still, on some level, expecting something from ourselves. The solution? Not self-improvement, but grace—resting in what God has already done and allowing Him to live His life in and through us.
As J.N.D. puts it:
"Neither our joy nor our peace is dependent on what we are to Him, but on what He is to us—and this is grace.”
A Personal Reflection on Journaling
This devotional also gave me an opportunity to reflect on a spiritual discipline I’ve taken up recently: journaling. For years, my mentor has suggested journaling as a way to refocus on the Lord—both for those he counsels and, more recently, for someone I’ve been guiding. I resisted the idea for a long time, not because I doubted its value, but because I saw it as something I didn’t particularly need or want.
However, over time, I realized how much time I was losing to YouTube rabbit holes, mindlessly scrolling through news sites, or simply letting distractions crowd out my fellowship with Christ. So, I decided to give journaling a try—not as a means of self-improvement, but as a practical way to set my mind on things above (Colossians 3:2).
It has been incredibly refreshing. Journaling allows me to pause, reflect, and refocus on His complete sufficiency in my life. It is a time of conversation with my Lord. It’s become a way to record God’s grace, His promptings, and His faithfulness—an act of worship and fellowship with Him.
How long I’ll keep this practice, I don’t know. What I do know is that, for now, it’s been a gift of His grace. I’m learning to rely on Him moment by moment, and I trust Him to lead me in this season, just as He always has.
The Solution: His Life, Not Ours
Romans 5:10 reminds us:
"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
The same grace that saved us is the grace that sustains us. Christ was not only given for us but also to us—to live His life in us and through us. Self-effort will always leave us exhausted and disappointed, but the life of Christ within us is our sufficiency, our strength, and our rest.
When I lean on Him, there is no disappointment—because my expectation is not in me, but in Him alone. As Psalm 62:5 declares:
"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him."
Closing Thoughts
If you’ve been battling self-disappointment or struggling with unmet expectations, may I encourage you today? Shift your focus. Instead of looking inward, look upward. Your peace and joy are not found in what you are to Him but in who He is to you. He is faithful, sufficient, and unchanging—and His grace is enough.
For now, I’m thoroughly enjoying this season of journaling, and I pray it encourages you, too, to set your mind on Him. No self-effort. No striving. Just grace.
Closing Scripture:
"It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).