Protecting Your Mind Pt. 1

Taking control of our thoughts can be a very challenging thing to do, especially in our highly technological world. Provebs 4:23 states, "Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life." The "heart" also includes the mind and all that proceeds from it.

I have also struggled in this area. There were times I would get busy with my day to day life, and I found myself going a couple days without spending any time with God. I would feel depressed and did not know why, or I would have the urge to do things I had'nt wanted to do since before I was saved.

The problem was that I had not taken the time out to feed myself spiritually. Ephesians 6:11,12 says, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, V-12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

God's armor is more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ himself, and it brings victory. "Put on the armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans,"...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place and shelter in the storm. This must be done daily in order to stay on the path God has for you each day.

Ephesians 6:13-18 goes on to state, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perserverance and supplication for all the saints..."

Now let me help you break this down a little:

• The belt of TRUTH is God's sovereignty, love, wisdom, and holiness. (Deut. 4:39, Ps. 18:1-3)
• The breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS is Jesus Christ and His blood, which cleanses us from sin. The cross which frees us from bondage to selfish nature.
• The sandals of PEACE is our peace through our union and ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• The shield of FAITH is our continual trust in God, His Word, and His promises.
• The helmet of SALVATION is God's promises of daily eternal salvation in Jesus Christ.
• The sword of the Spirit, HIS WORD, is the power of God's Word to counter deception and triumph over spiritual foes.

This concludes Pt. 1 of Protecting Your Mind. Below is a prayer that you can begin to pray out loud daily. Putting on the armor of God is your first step in protecting your mind. Join me tomorrow for Protecting Your Mind Pt. 2. May God continue to bless you in your relationship with Him. God bless, Beloved.

Author: The Proverbs 31 Woman