The Word - April 30, 2012 - THE BATTLE FOR YOUR MIND

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing: 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 is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things."(Philippians 4:8-9)

There is a huge battle going on right now; and it is going on in your mind. As a result, the content of your mind determines the content of your soul. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that the Lord will, "Keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him." (Isaiah 26:3). The mind of the believer occupied with the content of the Word of God is promised perfect peace. And this peace is the result of our mind being occupied with His Word.

Even though the beloved apostle was in jail when he wrote the above words, he was content because his mind was fixed on the promises of the Lord. Even though in the midst of severe discomfort, he endured and was able to rejoice. In verse 4 of our chapter Paul tells us to "always be full of joy in the Lord, and again I say rejoice."

Our old nature instantly produces all kinds of emotions, anxiety, panic, fear and discouragement, and a lack of trust in the Lord to really be with us and be the One to fulfill the desires of our heart. Later on Paul reminds us that even though we are engaged in a fierce battle with the enemy, because of our standing in Christ, we don't have to wage war with the weapons the world uses. "We use God's mighty weapons to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning."

Dear friends, in Christ we are guaranteed the victory over ever fiery dart the enemy throws at our minds. Simply, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."