On all fours with the grass pressing into my hands and knees, I was already backing out of my goal. I had recently enlisted the help of a friend to improve my muscle strength and endurance. On this particular night, we were at a local park doing conditioning exercises and cardio. While my legs were completing the lifting exercises to strengthen my muscles, my mind desperately looked for a way out of having to run the last lap of our workout. I was convinced I had nothing left.
John 14:27 reminds us that when it comes to the battleground of the mind, Christ promises us a peace that doesn’t come from this world’s arena. In the midst of temptation, though, we may find ourselves in heated negotiations with thoughts that threaten to derail our spiritual perspective. Paul highlighted this very tension in Romans 8:6, which says, “Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” While the Christian walk is one founded in faith, God engages our minds as well as our hearts (Hebrews 10:16).
In the battle between flesh and spirit (Romans 7:22-25), self-help strategies and logical arguments fail to move spiritual strongholds. Likewise, an attempt to avoid a confrontation with the enemy through compromise will only bring us into further bondage.
Miraculous to be sure, victory arrives when we follow God’s process. Our desperate call to God in our struggles and our choice to obey (Psalm 119:169-170,173), one decision at a time, bring us to the place of authority where we can then take down the “rebellious thoughts” (2 Corinthians 10:5) that stand contrary to the work Christ accomplished on the cross. Like physical exercise, it’s not a one-time process but rather a practice for life.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 17:32-58
More:
Read Colossians 4:2 and 2 Timothy 4:5-8 to see the importance of training our minds based on the truth of the Word, not only in thought but in action as well.
Next:
Why is the mind such a powerful tool in the fight for righteousness? How can you gain victory in your mind?
marvin williams on March 28, 2013 at 8:12 am
Regina, thanks for reminding us that we are called to think his thoughts, and in order to think his thoughts, we must let the Holy Spirit capture ours first. This is such a moment by moment process, isn’t it. I have found memorizing scripture is one way God wins this battle in my life. Thanks for the reminder. Blessings!
regina franklin on March 28, 2013 at 5:53 pm
Dear Marvin,
I was just thinking this afternoon that the Word holds the answers to all of the complicated issues we face. I agree–the key is found in where we direct our thoughts and what we choose to meditate (focus intently) on. The Word is powerful–the question is whether or not we will choose to let it be active in our lives.
winn collier on April 3, 2013 at 5:59 pm
the mind is such a desperate place at times. That God’s healing delves into these deep caverns expresses the profound love of God.
regina franklin on April 3, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Yes! How incredible to know that, as fragile and complicated as our minds can be, the One who created us is more than able to restore and heal those deep places.