The Battle in the Mind

by Aleta Kay

        

          Do you have panic attacks? Suffer from depression? Are you worried and fearful? Where do these feelings come from? They come from your thoughts. You think about things that may happen that would cause problems. You worry about your finances, your kids, your vehicle, your husband, your marriage. Those thoughts take control and you can’t help but worry and be anxious. You may take it out on your kids or your husband. You may become suspicious in your nature. You hate it but can’t stop.

          You have planned escape routes: sleep, a good book, a night out with the girls, a good stiff drink or two, a sweet snack, comfort food, a movie, etc. But when those things are done you’re back to square one. You may have put a lid on the feelings that have been controlling you but you can’t keep them at bay indefinitely.

          Your husband and your kids begin to treat you like a monster or a weird houseguest. You can see the disdain and frustration in their eyes and it scares you even more. What can you do?

          I have good news for you. You can control your thoughts. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 23:7 says, “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

          Ephesians 6:10 through the end of the chapter tells us to put on our spiritual armor. One of those pieces of armor is the helmet of salvation. A helmet protects the head. If you are saved (see previous posts on how to know you belong to God)  you need to put that helmet on every day because Satan will attack your mind as he did Eve’s in the garden of Eden. He will fill your head with negative thoughts and worries. He will cause you to think critically of other people, especially those closest to you. But with your helmet firmly in place you can deflect those thoughts. They may gain entry but you can send them right back out.

          James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” It is your choice to allow yourself to dwell on those fearful, worrisome, negative thoughts. Philippians 4:6, 7 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

          God bless.