Ever Thought You Were Losing Control….of Your Mind?
I have. Certainly this is not a flattering admission, but in my late teens I battled an obsession that I felt I would never be able to stop its momentum in my life, especially my thoughts. But God…..
In the heat of the battle for my thoughts and emotions, my Father threw me a lifeline. The initial interaction with God’s Holy Spirit was a question: “How many thoughts can you think at one time?” My thoughtful answer was a question, “One?”
Second question from Holy Spirit to my mind and heart was, “Well, if you are thinking what is right, how can you think what’s wrong?” My response to this second question was another question, “What’s right?”
God’s answer to me was simple and profound, “MY SON died on the cross so that you would not be a slave to this sin.” I then asked, “Is that it?” Answer: “That is enough.”
I left my room with an understanding that when I was tested again with a runaway mind or thought pattern, that I would need to focus on the truth that, “Jesus Christ died on the cross so that I would not have to be a slave to sin, especially as it regarded my destructive thinking.”
I was right, or more accurately He was right. That day I began using that truth again and again and within a few weeks of practicing this truth and discipline, my struggles were reduced to a skirmish with the enemy that I more easily won rather than my old patterns of losing battle after battle with the fear of losing the war entirely. I got so excited about winning that I found some verses in the Bible that dealt specifically with keeping my thoughts focused on Jesus, His truth, and His love and plans for me. That was 55 years ago.
His truths still set me free to this day. I simply have to use the weapons He bought me in that room in college, and I stay in freedom in which Christ has set me free.
Try it as needed. You will win too. John 8:31-32
Because I had a relationship with Christ, His Holy Spirit was in me and was guiding me. When I finally sat still long enough to ask and pray a true prayer of desperation, I was ready to not only listen but also to obey. I am free!
In order to stay out of trouble, I have asked God to keep my mind on Jesus, on His Word, on things true, honest, lovely, of good report and praise worthy. I want to be as innocent as a baby but as wise as a loving, mature, Christ-centered adult.
By God’s grace I will never go back to the edge of losing control of my mind, emotions, will, and life actions.