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I have been through some tough times the last few years, like many, we have all been on the same ocean but on our own boats!
All through the same pandemic but impacted differently, life didn't stop happening because there was a pandemic either!
God has been showing me lately the power of the battle that goes on in my mind, and that everything (well almost everything) literally starts or ends in my mind.
In fact I reckon it is the biggest battle we will ever face, is the battle field of our minds.
"Its all in your head" Used to be said to those where nothing physical could be pinned, and often in a way that implied that you should "just snap out of it...whatever it was"
I prefer to say this differently and perceive it this way - accepting that all in my head is empowering rather than casting me off as crazy and a lost cause.
Its all in MY head therefore I can do something about it!
If you are a thinker, over thinker, or a worrier like me, the enemy (Mr Satan) loves to use your mind against you, he loves to get in there and plant thoughts that will take you down negative, depressing tracks, keep you occupied obsessing about the things that will keep you stuck in darkness. His goal? To keep you ineffective for the light side, God.
God invites us to think thoughts of LOVE, grace, mercy, forgiveness, positivity, and become abundantly filled with his holy spirit so we can share this good stuff with others in the world.
Like all battles with two sides, in the spiritual battle in our mind, there are two sides. The dark side (Satan) and the light side (God)
God is more powerful, always has been, throughout history and in the bible there are so many cases where we can see this evidence. Satan is powerful but not more powerful than God.
I had to realise that every day I have choice, sometimes more than once in a day if things are moving quickly and at an intense pace. A choice to choose my side and then put all my energy in fighting from the 'light' side.
This takes energy and focus, intentionality because I do believe this.
What we focus on and feed, expands and grows.
God does help us to renew our mind, if we ASK him to help - the key is we have to recognise we are in need of his help, ask for it, and believe that he can.
Here are some things I do to be intentional about picking the light side, seeking to renew my mind:
*** Disclaimer up front, I don't always get this right, there are days where sneaky old Satan has got into my head quickly and without warning and I find myself in a dark mood, he gets in my way for a while, but at some point I realise what is happening and I get myself back on track, but if I have fallen into the 'dark side' for a bit longer than I would like, it is always harder to pull out, so I try to not fall in the first place.
I don't aim for perfection, I aim for better than the day before
I start every day by saying ONE thing, "Thank you Lord for the gift of today" I say this no matter how I feel when I wake up
I walk in nature almost every day (just 30 mins), you will see this right through my blogs, its a discipline I started years ago, and don't worry it has not been a breeze, some days even getting out the door is a battle in my mind, the enemy knows this is my time with God so attacks me with tiredness, bad attitude, sleeping in, sore body... pushing through anyway is how I overcome this.
When I am walking I start by playing LOUD worship music then I start giving thanks for everything that comes to mind
I LOOK UP, at the sky, the trees the landscape
If people come to mind in worry, I pray for them
I physically put on Gods whole armour - see reference verse below, I memorise this and put it on every day! Because the stronger I get for Gods army, the harder Satan works to pull me back down.
If I can't walk, due to family commitments or work schedules (not often because I have set this up intentionally to happen) I do parts of this process in the car on my way to where I am going!
Things that will change my mood and state in a positive way quickly:
Worship or positive music, Singing, Dancing, Walking in nature, Praying, Practicing gratitude, Being around positive friends, Laughing, Playing with kids.
I believe that once we have renewed our minds, we are more able to connect with God, his word, his presence, his spirit and much much more. So.... At least for me, It does all seem to start and finish in my mind.
Final note: When I least feel like doing any of this stuff because I am really low or tired, is when I benefit the most from making myself do it anyway. Turning up to church the day after my grandson was still born, I was at his birth, was the hardest thing ever, because I was still mad with God and crying lots, but I knew I needed to be there amongst brothers and sisters in Christ and I know it made a difference to how long it took me to heal from this trauma and sadness at that level.
Scriptures, and resources I recommend for overcoming the battlefield of the mind, feel free to share any of yours in the comments section.
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Thanks for checking in today
Blessings my friend
Jen Tyson
Romans 12:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Philippians 4:4 - 9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
My favourite book to help with this is
The battlefield of the mind - By Joyce Meyer
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