"It is all in your head"

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (New International Version)

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Have you ever known anyone to have irrational fears about something? A child who thinks the boogyman is going to get them. Have you ever heard someone say to them, or perhaps you said it or have had it said to you "It is all in your head"? Oh, how right they were!!

As I continue to struggle with the stronghold of worry and anxiety in my life, God has led me to this next lesson in my journey. The things that make me worry and anxious are all in my head. More literally, it is the devil trying to keep me from the peace of knowing I can do everything through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

The primary battlefied of our faith is in our mind. However, we must remember, when we are born again in Christ Jesus, our transformation comes with a renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). Paul knew if our thoughts were left unchecked, they would cause all kinds of problems. We all know what happens when we are left to dwell on something too long. We can think of the worst kind of things. The devil takes every opportunity to use our thoughts against us. We must understand this fully, and use the weapons of God's word and our prayers to constantly gaurd our hearts and mind (Philippians 4:7).

In fact, the ONLY way we can overcome these feelings is to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). Take note that all of the armour is defensive EXCEPT the sword, which is the Word of God. Right after Paul notes the sword being the word, he says we are to pray. In fact, the offense we need to regularly mount against the power of the devil's invasion of our mind is power of God's word and prayer.

By searching for answers to questions of our mind in the Word of God, we know we will never be led astray. In fact, Jesus gave us the ultimate example of overcoming the devil with the word in Matthew chapter 4. In knowing that, think how effective it would be in our battle to overcome our strongholds by praying God's word. (I highly recommend Beth Moore's book, "Praying God's Word")

Finally, consider Paul's words "Finally, brothers, 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." (Philippians 4:8). Every time you feel your mind being pulled by the devil into negative thoughts, immediately think of all the awesome things God has graced your life with. Start counting your blessings right then and there and the devil will flee. It takes some effort to form the habit of taking your thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ. However, with the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. And consider the reward, a peace that surpasses all understanding.

So, you see, it really is all in your mind!!

"Lord, thank You for showing me how to win the battle for my thoughts. Thank You for providing Your word and for allowing me a personal relationship with You so I can bring everything to You in prayer and bring my thoughts captive and obedient to Christ. Help me to seek out Your word as a weapon against the negative thoughts which invade my mind. With Your word in my heart and on my lips, I can overcome anything. In Jesus Name, Amen."