Thursday, September 22, 2011

Battlefield of the Mind

Have you ever seen cartoons that display the angel and the devil (or demon) on either shoulder of a person? The figments of imagination or voices of opposition are battling for power, for allegiance.

Do you ever experience it in real life? I have. I do.

In past, I've always lightheartedly chalked it up to my Gemini dual personality and nature. However, I know the truth. The truth is that we are in an on-going battle. This battle of flesh and spirit, human life and spirit life, seen and unseen forces.

Lately, the mental attacks have been more intense. There is so much competing for attention. Several years ago I encountered similar attacks and I picked up Joyce Meyers book, "Battlefield of the Mind." It spoke to so much of what I was experiencing. It also made me feel like I wasn't losing my mind, but rather had the ability to focus my mind and silence the opposing thoughts.

Interestingly, the attacks on my mind happen more frequently the closer I am to an achieved goal or  vision. Thankfully, I have come to recognize that.

Our mind is fragile. Much more than we realize. Bi-polar disorder, multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia, suicide, etc demonstrate the sensitivity of the mind. The verses below have been life to my mind as I fight back and arm myself daily for battle.

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:6 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)

Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)

Proverbs 4:20-22 -  My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes;  Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.(NKJV)

Mark 4:14-17 - The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.

The world isnt getting any slower and the craziness of the world won't end. It's critical ...no it's actually lifesaving to protect, guard and allow God to keep our mind so we can live healthy and happy lives.

My meditation and moments of uninterrupted silence have become non-negotiable. We are overcomers, even of the battles we can't see.

God Bless,
Kristen

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