"Mind Games"
- Rita Larson
- May 20, 2023
- 3 min read
I look back over my life and see all the different things I have gone through. As I said in yesterday's blog, we all have a testimony. Looking back, I now know that most of the battle that I had, was the battle of the mind. Pastor Steve (Relate Church, Suffolk Va) is always reminding us that the devil is an opportunist, and it is so true! When we are already stressing over a situation, that is when the devil starts throwing darts of doubt and we get the "what ifs" running through our mind.
We all have those days when our thoughts seem to be in a million different places all at the same time. We can find ourselves in a negative dwelling place, worrying and stressing about finances, work, family and friends, things we wish we had or wish we could do, and may even think about things that we know we shouldn't be of a sinful nature. But how much time do we spend dwelling on the Word of God and His promises?
2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” It is so important that we take a step back and examine our thoughts. We must be aware of our thoughts and how they can shape our words and our actions. When we place our focus on the things of God, our thoughts will begin to shift and we will become more aware of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.
Philippians 4:8 reminds us to “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” This verse encourages us to focus our thoughts on the things of God. When we focus our thoughts on the things of God, we will be filled to overflowing and be able to speak words of faith and encouragement to those around us. We all need more of Him and less of us in our thoughts!
James 1:26 says, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” Our thoughts have a powerful effect on our words and our actions. We must be careful not to deceive our own hearts by allowing our thoughts to be consumed by things of a sinful nature, allowing them to come out further in our words and actions, impacting our responses and our relationships in a negative way. Guard your heart!
Colossians 3:17 reminds us to “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Our thoughts should be focused on the things of God and we should do all things in the name of the Lord. No matter what we are doing, we should do it in the name of Jesus and as if Jesus is by our side because He is! He promised to never leave us nor forsake us. In the name of Jesus, give God the Glory!
So, the next time you find your thoughts taking over, take a step back and ask yourself: Am I focusing on the things of God? Am I allowing myself to become overwhelmed with worry and fear? Am I speaking words of faith and encouragement to those around me?
Let us all strive to focus our thoughts on the things of God. When we do, we will find ourselves filled to overflowing, speaking words of faith and encouragement, and doing all things in the name of the Lord Jesus. ©Rita Larson 5/20/2023
Song of the Day:
Comments