Set Your Mind on Things Above: Meaning + 25 Ways to Live It

Set your mind on things above is a call to shift your focus from temporary worries to eternal truths. In a world filled with noise, pressure, and distraction, it’s easy to let your thoughts spiral into fear, frustration, or stress. But when you choose to lift your mind toward what is true, lasting, and spiritual, everything begins to change.

In this post, you’ll discover what it truly means to set your mind on things above, and explore 25 simple yet powerful ways to practice it daily. Whether you’re seeking peace, clarity, or a stronger connection with God, these habits can help you think higher, live deeper, and walk with purpose.

Let’s begin the journey—one thought at a time, by being open-minded.

What Does It Really Mean to “Set Your Mind on Things Above”?

To set your mind on things above means to think about what matters to God—not just what’s happening here on Earth. It means keeping your heart focused on peace, love, truth, and things that last forever.

This doesn’t mean you ignore your problems. Instead, it means you look at them with faith. You remember that God is bigger than your worries.

When your thoughts are full of stress, fear, or pressure, you can stop for a moment. Then, you can choose to think about something better—something higher. That’s how your mind starts to feel lighter and calmer.

For example:

When you feel unsure about yourself, you remember that your worth comes from God.
If someone hurts you, you ask God to help you forgive.

Even when things don’t go your way, you trust that something good can still come out of it.
Instead of always reacting fast, you take a breath and respond with kindness.
Because your heart is focused on what matters most, you make better choices.

The Bible says it clearly in Colossians 3:1–2:

“Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is… Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

This verse is a gentle reminder to keep your focus on God—not just sometimes, but every day. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about trying to think in a better way—one that brings peace instead of pressure.

When your mind is set on things above:

You don’t get pulled down by every little problem.
And you feel more peaceful because your heart is steady.
You care more about doing what’s right than fitting in.

You start to love others better—even when they don’t always love you back.

25 Ways to Set Your Mind on Things Above

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the noise, pressure, and negativity of this world?

The Bible says in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” But in real life, that’s easier said than done.

That’s why I’ve put together 25 practical, peaceful ways to shift your focus upward—toward God, peace, and purpose. Whether you’re in a storm or just craving more calm, these small daily actions can help you reclaim your joy and renew your spirit.

PART 1: Morning Practices to Set Your Mind on Things Above

Begin your day with purpose, not panic.

1. Start With Spirit, Not Your Screen

So when you wake up, resist the urge to check your phone. Instead, sit up, close your eyes for a moment, and breathe deeply. Whisper a prayer or a sentence like “Thank You for this new day” or “God, guide me today.”

This works because your phone fills your brain with notifications, distractions, and noise. But stillness connects you with peace before the chaos begins. Choosing Spirit first reminds you that you’re not alone and that your day is grounded in something greater than you.

2. Write Down 3 Things You’re Grateful For

So grab a notebook or journal and write three things you’re thankful for. These don’t have to be big. Try things like:

“I had a warm shower.”

“I’m grateful for my friend’s message.”
“The birds are singing outside.”

This helps you because gratitude rewires your brain to see the good, even in hard situations. So it shifts your focus from stress and fear to calm and contentment.

3. Say a One-Line Prayer or Affirmation

So you need to choose a short, meaningful phrase to say out loud or in your mind. Examples:

“I trust You, Lord.”
“And I choose peace.”

“Today is a gift.”

Repeat it during the day, especially when you start to feel overwhelmed.

Thus, these short prayers or affirmations are like spiritual “reset buttons.” They instantly redirect your focus and bring your thoughts back to the truth.

4. Read a Short Verse or Devotional

So open your Bible, Quran, or a devotional book and read just one verse or message. Choose something that reminds you of peace, strength, or hope. For example:

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.” – Isaiah 26:3

Thus, even a single line of Scripture can lift your mind above fear, stress, or confusion. Because it centers you on the truth that lasts.

5. Choose One Uplifting Thought for the Day

So you can pick a verse, quote, or affirmation that feels encouraging. And keep it where you’ll see it—on your phone lock screen, bathroom mirror, or planner. Examples:

“I am not alone.”
“God is working, even when I can’t see it.”
“Let go and trust.”

This helps you because one strong, positive thought can become your mental anchor during the day. Especially when your mind starts to drift into stress or self-doubt.

PART 2: Daily Thought Habits for a Heavenly Mindset

Keep your mindset steady and peaceful, even in a busy world, to set your mind on things above.

6. Gently Guide Your Thoughts

So when a negative or stressful thought pops up, pause and ask yourself:

“Is this true?”
“Or Is this thought based in fear or faith?”
“Is this lifting me or pulling me down?”

Then gently replace the thought with a better one.
Example: Change “I can’t handle this” to “God is with me in this.”

But you don’t have to believe every thought that enters your mind. Redirecting your thoughts helps you choose peace over panic and hope over hopelessness.

7. Ask: “Will This Matter Later?”

So next time you’re upset or anxious, take a breath and ask:

“Will this still matter a week from now? A year from now?”

If the answer is “no,” give yourself permission to release it or think less about it.

Most of the things we stress about are temporary. So this habit gives you a long-term perspective. And it helps you avoid wasting energy on things that aren’t eternal.

8. Turn Complaints Into Gratitude

What you can do is when you feel like complaining, pause and find one good thing in the moment.
Example:

Complaint: “I hate traffic.”
Gratitude: “At least I have a car and music to listen to.”

But this isn’t about denying your frustration. It’s about training your brain to notice blessings even in annoying moments. So over time, it reduces how easily negativity takes over.

9. Reflect on What Life Is Teaching You

So at the end of the day, ask yourself two simple questions:

“What did I learn today?”
“Where did I grow or see God working?”

Write it down in a journal or think about it before bed.

Thus, daily reflection keeps you growing spiritually and emotionally. It turns ordinary moments into meaningful progress.

10. Give One Worry to God Each Day

What you can do is choose one thing that’s stressing you out and say:

“God, I give this to You. I trust You with this situation.”

Visualize placing it in His hands or writing it down and letting it go.

Thus, you don’t have to solve everything. By letting go of one thing at a time, you’ll feel lighter, more focused, and spiritually connected.

PART 3: Protecting Your Mind From Negativity

What you feed your mind shapes your feelings, focus, and faith.

11. Limit Draining Content

Pay attention to what drains you. Is it social media, gossip, or bad news?
So set time limits on apps. Avoid conversations that spiral into negativity. Take breaks from the news.

Your mental health is affected by what you consume. So reducing toxic input gives your mind room to breathe, heal, and focus on truth.

12. Fill Your Space With Uplifting Words

Place encouraging messages around you:

Scripture on your mirrors
Affirmations on your fridge
Sticky notes with peaceful reminders in your car

Because your environment influences your thoughts. So these simple reminders help your mind stay focused on truth and peace.

13. Play Music That Lifts You

Listen to music that feeds your soul. Some ideas:

Worship playlists

Gentle instrumentals
Positive songs with hopeful lyrics

Because music bypasses the logical brain and speaks directly to your emotions. So the right songs can instantly calm, encourage, and uplift you.

14. Spend Time in Nature

So step outside for even 5–10 minutes. Walk slowly. Breathe deeply. Notice the trees, sky, and sounds around you.

Nature is quiet but powerful. Because it reminds you of God’s presence and steadiness when everything else feels fast or uncertain.

15. Take One Quiet Hour a Week

Once a week, unplug completely—no screens, no noise, no multitasking. Sit in silence, take a walk, or journal. Just be still.

In silence, you hear your thoughts and your soul. This sacred pause helps you reconnect with what matters most.

PART 4: Heart Shifts That Draw You Closer to God

These are internal, often quiet decisions that reorient your heart and thoughts toward Heaven to set your mind on things above..

16. Choose Peace Over Being Right

It’s tempting to argue, defend, or insist on your opinion. But sometimes, insisting on being right only stirs tension. A heart set on things above values peace over pride.

What to do:

In a conflict, take a deep breath and ask: “Will proving my point help or hurt this connection?”
Let peace—not ego—lead the moment.

Walk away gently or respond with grace, even when you could argue.

True strength is not in dominating a conversation—it’s in knowing when peace is more valuable than control. This shift makes room for God’s peace to govern your heart.

17. Forgive, Even Without an Apology

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Waiting for an apology can hold you hostage in bitterness. Letting go frees your heart.

So say out loud or in prayer: “Lord, I forgive them, not because they said sorry, but because You forgave me first.”
Use Colossians 3:13 as a guide: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Carrying unforgiveness keeps your mind tied to pain. But forgiveness renews your focus and keeps your mind clear to receive God’s peace.

18. Pause Before You Speak

Words are powerful. A moment of silence can save you from hurting someone—or yourself—with hasty words.

So practice a 3-second pause when you’re emotional.
Ask: “Do my words bring life or tension?”

If unsure, stay silent until clarity comes.

The pause gives the Holy Spirit space to guide your response. It allows you to speak with love instead of reacting with frustration.

19. Speak Encouragement, Not Gossip

Gossip stirs drama and clouds your soul. Encouragement uplifts and reflects God’s love.

So catch yourself before sharing details that are negative or not yours to tell.
Ask: “Would I say this if they were here?”

Replace idle talk with sincere encouragement—compliment someone, express gratitude, or uplift a coworker.

Thus, encouragement multiplies peace. So it draws your heart upward and blesses both the speaker and the listener.

20. Endure With Joy, Not Just Grit

Grit is human strength. Joy is spiritual strength. Enduring with joy means trusting that something good can come from the struggle—even before it’s over.

In difficult seasons, name one beautiful thing in the middle of the hardship.
Say: “I choose joy even here.”
But don’t fake happiness—find meaning in the process.

Joy shifts your focus from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What is God forming in me through this?” That is heavenly thinking in action.

✨ Remember: Heaven-focused thinking isn’t denying pain. It’s deliberately choosing to seek God’s peace, even in it.

PART 5: Living Out a God-Focused Life

Now that your heart is aligned, here’s how to live it out in your everyday actions to set your mind on things above..

21. Be Around People Who Lift You Up

Who you spend time with shapes how you think. Surround yourself with people who speak truth, encourage you, and live with faith.

Assess your circle. Do they drain you or inspire you?
Intentionally spend more time with faith-filled, kind-hearted people.
But be that kind of person for others, too.

Thus, positive, God-centered relationships lift your thoughts, strengthen your beliefs, and help you stay spiritually focused.

22. Do One Secret Kind Act Each Day

Serving others without needing recognition builds humility and joy. When only God knows, it becomes a sacred moment. So be the reason someone smiles today.

Leave an encouraging note anonymously.
Pay for someone’s coffee without being seen.
Clean something without telling anyone.

Do it quietly, joyfully, and just for God.

This practice keeps your focus away from applause and helps you serve with a pure heart—exactly how Jesus taught.

23. See Problems as Opportunities to Grow

Faith doesn’t mean you avoid problems. It means you look at problems differently. Every trial can become a teacher.

In a challenge, ask: “What is God trying to grow in me?”
Write down one insight or lesson when the problem passes.

Pray for strength, not escape.

Thus, seeing difficulties through the lens of growth transforms your perspective from earthly worry to spiritual maturity.

24. Honor a Weekly Rest Day

Rest is holy. God rested, not because He was tired—but to show us we need space to pause, reset, and connect with Him.

So choose a day or even half a day to unplug from social media, chores, or work.
Use the time to reflect, walk, read, journal, and enjoy peace with God.
Avoid guilt—rest is obedience.

When you rest, you declare: “I trust God to carry what I’ve been carrying.” Rest renews your mind and reminds your soul who’s really in control.

25. End Your Day With Stillness

How you end your day shapes how you sleep and how you wake up. A peaceful ending leads to a peaceful tomorrow.

So turn off any of your screens at least 15 minutes before bed.

Sit in silence or soft worship music.
Pray: “God, thank You for today. I trust You with what’s unfinished. Give me rest.”

End the day without rush or noise.

Thus, stillness trains your soul to release anxiety. It brings closure to the day, settles your thoughts, and invites God’s peace into your sleep.

Conclusion

Setting your mind on things above is a daily choice—a quiet but powerful shift in focus from the temporary to the eternal.

It means thinking with clarity, responding with peace, and living with purpose.
It’s choosing faith when fear calls, and truth when distractions press in.

As Scripture reminds us,
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

Even one small practice from this list can help you reset your thoughts and lift your heart. Over time, these choices shape not only your mindset but your life.

You were made to think higher, live deeper, and walk closer with God.

So start today. Stay consistent. And keep your focus where it truly belongs—above.