Take Back Your Mind

Introduction

Today we are continuing our series Winning the War in Your Mind. I would like to start by sharing a passage of Scripture that challenges us.

Romans 12:2

New Living Translation Chapter 12

2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

I don’t know about you but I have found this difficult to do. It seems difficult to follow this advice. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world. Sounds easy right. It’s all around us. In the media. Our friends and family influence us. The world around us presents a tempting path to follow. Do this and you will get that. I find myself sometimes doing or saying things that come from irrational thoughts. I want to be nice and pleasant with our children but I yell. I try to save money and I spend it. I place my trust in God, yet sometimes I worry if things will it be alright.

Why Do We Behave Irrationally?

Last week we touched on a little bit of the science and wonder of the human mind. We learned that when we experience something new the brain begins to create a neural pathway and as time goes on these pathways begin to guide our responses.

For example, when a baby smiles and the baby’s mother smiles back the baby begins to learn that smiling means something good. If a baby touches a hot stove, it hurts. Ouch. The baby learns that’s not good to touch the hot stove. The more we think a thought the easier it is to think it again.

Imagine a man named Dave who decides to eat ice cream for breakfast every day for a year. Initially, it feels like the best decision ever! But after several months, he finds himself with a tendency to fall asleep during meetings and his doctor starts eyeing him suspiciously. Sometimes, when we make irrational decisions, like choosing ice cream over eggs, they seem sweet at first, but they can lead to unexpected problems. Just like in life, a little wisdom can help balance our cravings with what is truly nourishing!

Let’s look back at history: Napoleon Bonaparte famously opted to invade Russia in winter. It’s considered one of the most irrational military moves ever! He thought he could achieve glory, but it ended in disaster. However, it serves as a whimsical reminder that even great leaders can make silly decisions, and it’s in our follies that we learn and perhaps find a bit of wisdom along the way.

Consider the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13, where he makes the irrational decision to offer a burnt sacrifice in the absence of the prophet Samuel. His impatience led him to act against God's command, ultimately resulting in dire consequences for his kingdom. This illustrates how our hurried choices, often driven by fear or anxiety, can lead us astray from God's plan for our lives.

Your life is always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts. What comes into your mind comes out in how your live your life. You cannot have a positive life with a negative mind. If you don’t control what you think, you will never control what you do.

Training

When we notice that we may be developing a bit of a ‘spare tire’ and our doctor suggests maybe we could stand to lose a few pounds, we often choose to change what we eat and maybe start doing some form of exercise or physical training. I wonder what it would look like if we did the same for our minds? Change from garbage in and following what appears to be the easier path to something different.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

New Living Translation Chapter 4

7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

The New King James Version Chapter 4

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Mediation is a form of training for our brain. Now I’m not suggesting the new age discipline of meditation and trying to become one with the universe; however, I am suggesting something a little different. The eastern form of meditation challenges us to empty our minds. Christian meditation fills the mind with God’s truth found in His Word.

Definition of Meditation

To engage in mental exercise; to focus one’s thoughts.

In the 2010 movie the Karate Kid, Jackie Chan plays Mr. Han who takes up training the young man, Dre Parker. Mr. Han offers this advice, “Your focus needs more focus.” Focus is a skill and we can train our minds to focus.

Challenges of Focus

I find it hard to focus sometimes. I find my mind wandering. Quite often this occurs when I’m faced with a challenge and my mind wanders to the negative. I can’t. Or I won’t. I’m not good enough. Maybe your mind wanders to the negative as well. However, we can train our minds focus towards the truth.

Last week I asked you to do some homework. Identify a stronghold that is holding back and then find a biblical truth that demolishes that stronghold.

I believe that we can train our focus to shift off us and towards God by doing these things.

1 - Spend time in God’s Word

Psalm 119:9-16

The New King James Version ב Beth

9 How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word.

10 With my whole heart I have sought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.

12 Blessed are You, O LORD!

Teach me Your statutes.

13 With my lips I have declared

All the judgments of Your mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,

As much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on Your precepts,

And contemplate Your ways.

16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;

I will not forget Your word.

When we seek out our identity and spend time in God’s Word we will discover Scriptural truths that will demolish the strongholds that hold us captive. Then write these truths out, mediate on it, confess your negative thoughts and most importantly - keep doing this until you believe it. By doing this we can begin to shape the way our mind works by creating new neural pathways and thus renew our minds with truth as Paul challenges us in Romans 12:2 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Once, a pastor found an old journal filled with prayers and Scripture reflections from the previous year. As he read through it, he noted how many prayers had been answered in ways he hadn’t even realized. Each entry reminded him of God’s faithfulness and the peace that accompanied his time spent in the Word. He realized how often we underestimate the impact of those quiet moments with God, which not only strengthen our relationship but also become markers of His goodness in our lives. Such reflections encourage us to prioritize our time in Scripture.

A wise old man once said that the secret to a long-lasting friendship lies in meaningful conversation. He used to invite friends for coffee and engage in deep discussions about life, faith, and dreams. He understood that quality time together solidified relationships. Similarly, spending time in God’s Word is our conversation with Him, deepening our relationship and friendship with the Creator. The more we engage, the stronger our bond blooms.

2 - Seek God’s Guidance and Deliverance

Psalm 143:1-12

The New King James Version Psalm 143

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD,

Give ear to my supplications!

In Your faithfulness answer me,

And in Your righteousness.

2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant,

For in Your sight no one living is righteous.

3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul;

He has crushed my life to the ground;

He has made me dwell in darkness,

Like those who have long been dead.

4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;

My heart within me is distressed.

5 I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all Your works;

I muse on the work of Your hands.

6 I spread out my hands to You;

My soul longs for You like a thirsty land.

Selah

7 Answer me speedily, O LORD;

My spirit fails!

Do not hide Your face from me,

Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,

For I lift up my soul to You.

9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies;

In You I take shelter.

10 Teach me to do Your will,

For You are my God;

Your Spirit is good.

Lead me in the land of uprightness.

11 Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake!

For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies,

And destroy all those who afflict my soul;

For I am Your servant.

David provides us with an incredible tool here. Prayer and seeking God’s guidance through prayer and remembering what God has done and is doing.

Imagine a ship navigating through a thick fog. The captain can’t see the stars or landmarks; all they have is their compass. Just like that captain, we often find ourselves in a fog of decisions, unsure of which direction to take. God’s guidance serves as our divine compass, steering us safely through life's uncertainties. When we seek Him fervently, He illuminates our path, reminding us to trust Him even when the way forward seems unclear.

In the Bible, we find the story of Gideon, who sought God’s guidance through signs. He laid out a fleece and asked God for specific confirmations. His honesty and willingness to ask God for clear signs resonate with us today. Just as Gideon sought clarity, we are encouraged to approach our Father with our uncertainties, trusting that He will respond in a way we can understand, guiding us to fulfill His plans.

Consider the story of Abraham, who left everything familiar because God called him to a new land. He didn’t have a detailed map, just a promise that God would lead him. This story reminds us that often, seeking God’s guidance requires faith. It invites us to step out of our comfort zones, trusting that God knows the way and holds our future—even when we can only see the next step ahead.

James 1:5 tells us, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally.' Imagine standing before a vast library filled with the wisdom of the ages, yet uncertain of where to start. Seeking God’s guidance is like consulting a kind librarian who delights in sharing insights. God is eager to give us the wisdom we need for our journeys, if only we are willing to ask and listen.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches about the importance of asking, seeking, and knocking. Picture a child approaching their parent for advice on a tough issue. Just as that child seeks reassurance and wisdom, we are invited to approach our Heavenly Father with our decisions. When we actively seek God’s guidance, we find reassurance in His presence, knowing that He delights in guiding us through every challenge.

Conclusion

Our lives always move in the direction of our strongest thoughts. If we don’t control what we think, we will never control what we do.

I would like to leave you with portion of a message from Craig Groeschel. These are declarations that reminded his congregation of and I would like you to hear them and be reminded as well.

• You are strong and mighty. You have the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwelling inside of you. You are a weapon of righteousness in a world of darkness.

• You are not your past. You are not what you did. You are who God says you are. He says you are forgiven. He says you are redeemed. He says you are free.

• You are not a hostage to your unhealthy thoughts. The weapons you fight with are not the weapons of this world. You have divine power to demolish strongholds.

• You have the mind of Christ directing your thoughts. You have the word of God guiding your steps.

• Worry is not your master. You trust in God. His peace guards your heart, guards your mind, and guards your soul in Christ Jesus.

• Your God has not given you a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind.

• The Lord is your helper. You will not be afraid.

• You are not a slave to your habits. You are not a prisoner to an addiction. You have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God’s light.

• Your God will bless you abundantly, so that in all things, and at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.

• Nothing can separate you from God’s love. Not death. Not demons. Not the present nor the past. No power on earth will ever separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Put your confidence in God’s perfect power, not in your imperfect abilities.

Most of life’s battles are won or lost in your mind.

The Battle Rages But You have Won the War