Guard Your Mind

Written by Beverly Richardson

Well, just this morning I felt like giving up on my God ordained assignment. I start thinking about every reason why I should not be on the assignment. Why God, did You choose me for this job? It is so hard, I cannot do it. I do not have time. I began thinking about how far I had to drive. I watched the daily news that said the price of gas was going to increase. I tried to think of all kinds of excuses why I wanted to quit my assignment before the assignment was complete. I had allowed these thoughts to fill my mind. Fear and worry set in, and I had no reason to be fearful or worried about anything. Then I realized that I had not spent enough time with God, in His word lately. I had to cast all of my cares on God because he cares for me.  I repented and asked God for forgiveness, and then I as able to get back on track.

We should be well aware of the various ways in which Satan works. He attacks believers when he thinks it will be to his advantage. Especially after a great experience, or right before someone is going to begin a new opportunity. He also attacks when believers are vulnerable physically or mentally, and when Satan believers when are alone. Christians, therefore, must always be on guard.  How do we guard our minds against the attacks of the enemy:

Action 1: Pray

Our first response to a spiritual attack should not be panic, but prayer. We can’t fight effectively in our own strength. But when we ask God for help and seek His power we experience victory.

Action 2:  Speak And Believe The Truth

Jesus personifies truth. In John 14:6 Jesus says I am the truth. Satan is a liar. Jesus said this about him: He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars (John 8:44). Satan’s native tongue is deceit. One of the best ways to combat his untruth is to surround ourselves, our families, and our minds with truth.

Action 3:  Choose Not To Fear

The natural reaction to a spiritual attack is first fear, then worry. If we stay in that place of panic, we forget to do the first two actions: pray and speak the truth. And if we camp in fear’s tent, we shrink back from the joy and power Jesus wants to give us in the midst of the battle. Ultimately, this comes down to a question of our trust in God. Do we believe God is bigger than our worry? Than Satan’s attack against us? Than the fears that keep us up at night? We have a choice to give into fearful thinking or surrender it to God, and trust His word.

Action 4: Let Go Of Control

When we encounter a spiritual battle, we tend to want to make everything right immediately. We want the fight to stop, so we try to fix the situation. We can’t micromanage stressful situations. We can’t orchestrate outcomes. We are not God, yet we can utilize the guidance, strategy and grace that He liberally provides.

We must always be aware of the thoughts that travel through our minds. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. In Proverbs 23:7 we read For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

To stay free, we must vigilantly guard our thought life and choose to give our burdens to God.