Battle of the Mind

Today I could have been an illustration in Joyce Meyer's book "The Battlefield of the Mind". I spent some time in the Word this morning and headed to work. The first half of day was like any other. At lunchtime, I sat in my cube and did some more work in my Nehemiah Bible study. The lesson was really speaking to me and my highlighter was going like crazy. I got a text from a friend and was able to share the Word with her. Really cool lunch. So one would think that really cool lunch would put me in a great frame of mind for the rest of the day.... or.... not. For some reason, my mind drifted to some hurtful things that someone said to me yesterday. They really weren't that big of deal, but before I realized what I was doing, I found myself dwelling on that instead of the Word I just read and shared. I started to get sad and then I caught myself. How easily my mind can wander. It takes no effort for my brain to focus on the negative. So I repented for my stinkin thinkin (again) and I spoke a few Scriptures to myself and got back my attitude of gratitude. And then the work day got hard. I am facing some difficulties this week at work and I started to panic. I began to worry about things that havent happened yet (and may not happen). I began to doubt my ability to do the work and fear set in. Instead of speaking the truth of Scripture to chase these thoughts away, I let them get the best of me. My head looked like a big blown up black balloon. (The ladies in my Bible study will understand that). As I drove out of my office lot, I felt crummy. I didnt have the wits to utter an intelligent prayer, but I did say "Oh Lord, I need help". That was all it took. Like a gentle whisper, He reminded me that He would not lead me to a place and not equip me to be there. He reminded me that He is so much bigger, stonger, capable than the mountain I had envisioned. Refocusing my gaze on God instead of my problems and feelings, I began to worship. First, I just thanked Him and worshipped Him for who He is. Then, I turned on the worship music - loud enough to vibrate the windows. Peter Furler's song "I'm Alive" came on and as I praised our Father, I felt Him cleanse and restore me. This blog is about lessons learned. Today I learned how quickly my mind can stray and take me down. The only remedy for this is Scripture. The Word tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Life does not always allow us to open the Book when the need arises. So I must read it more, study it more, yes - and memorize it more. The Battle of the Mind is never-ending - and the Word is the only successful weapon. I am so thankful for my Savior - He has indeed given me all things I need for life and Godliness.