journey onWord with us

You might, for a moment, consider lying rather than admit it. But there are thoughts that flow into your mind that causes you to wonder, “How could I think such a thing?” Those kinds of thoughts cause you to question yourself, the depth of your spirituality, and sometimes even your sanity. We have all been there, and the purpose of this post is not to examine why (or play amateur psychologist), but rather to give encouragement in the battle for your mind. Each of us have some personal struggles that are contained within our minds, and if not controlled, will burden our souls. Can you accept that God knows all about your mind games, and is very willing to help?

Thinking of the battle we all face reminds me of the “prince of preachers” Charles Spurgeon. He could be considered an earlier version of  Billy Graham. Yet he battled  long-term struggles with depression.  I will never forget one of the ways that he fought against his struggle. The story goes that he would write Scripture verses on the ceiling of his bedroom, and use them to overcome his melancholy. Your personal mental assault may not be depression, but it could be anger, guilt, insecurity, an addiction, etc…  For some, the assault may be fleeting and for others deep seeded. I am here to say “take heart!”  God knows, He cares and He wants us to cast our cares on Him.

It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head. – Sally Kempton

I don’t know anything about Sally Kempton, but her statement intrigues me. We can all relate to a particular enemy that wants to set up control in our minds. In our most recent post it was stated that all that surrounds, affects us. It can also be said that all that our mind ponders, affects us … both the good, and the bad! So in this life we have, and will face battles from the outside (circumstances and people), and issues on the inside (our thoughts). God gives counsel that all believers should grab hold of, and never let go. II Corinthians 10:5(b) says, “and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”. We can turn any thought toward the will of the Father.

Let every thought that frustrates you become like an automated announcement, “Warning! Danger Ahead”. Use that warning to immediately “make it obedient to Christ”. Don’t try it once and quit. But with every errant thought, “take it captive” and go to our Lord. Let me close with words from The Road to Daybreak, by Henri Nouwen.

I am your God…I see all of your actions. And I love you because you are beautiful, made in my own image…Do not judge yourself. Do not condemn yourself. Do not reject yourself…come, come, let me wipe your tears, and let my mouth say…I love you, I love you, I love you.