Pastor column: Victory in the battlefield of the mind
God’s plan for victory in the mind is found in Philippians Chapter 4 — four simple steps teach us how to fortify the mind. These steps will help us to build a wall of protection around our minds and enable us to achieve daily victory.
First: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (vs. 4). We’re commanded to “rejoice.” This word means “to be glad.” It‘s in the present tense, active voice and imperative mood. This means that the believer is commanded to “go on being glad in the Lord.”
Why we are told to “rejoice in the Lord?” Because life is constantly changing, but the Lord never changes. David sang, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise” (Psalm 57:7). Be happy in the Lord. Build the wall of praise!
Second: “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (vs. 5a).The word “gentleness” literally means “gracious spirit.” It’s the idea that the reality of our faith should be demonstrated in how we deal with other people. Get the focus off of ourselves and on to others. It will build a wall of protection around the mind that others cannot penetrate.
Third: “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (vs. 5b-7).
Verse 6 warns us against worry. The word “anxious” refers to a state of mind that is agitated over the events and circumstances of life. Worry says “God obviously doesn't care about me and my situation.” This statement is absolutely false. God does care (1 Peter 5:7).
When the problems of life come our way, remember “The Lord is near.” Paul speaks of prayer, a general praying, specific praying and detailed praying. Instead of worrying, demonstrate your faith by seeking the Lord in prayer.
The word “guard” in verse 7 means “to garrison, or build a fort around” the heart and mind. Instead of worrying, turn to the Lord in prayer. Build the wall of prayer!
Fourth: “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” (vs. 8). All of these words Paul uses in this verse are a picture of the Word of God. Since the Bible is true, everything it says fits within the categories mentioned by Paul. In other words, if we will fill our minds with God’s Word, there will be no room for evil, for worry, for fear, for confusion. A mind that is Spirit-led and Scripture-fed is a stable mind.
Who wins the battle of the mind is always determined by you. Scripture says we are to fortify the mind; it’s our responsibility. This is critical. How you think determines how you live (Proverbs 4:23). Fortify your mind!
Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Four steps to fortify the mind and achieve daily victory
