Guard Your Mind and Heart
30 May 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: fibromyalgia, heart problems, invisible illness, margie scott, Parkinson, spinal stenosis
“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Most of us work and sometimes struggle daily to take care of our bodies. We are back and forth to the doctors and endless test to watch, diagnose, and heal the many things that invade us physically. We try to eat the best we can, and rest the best we can. All these things to stay healthy and/or battle against something that has invaded our bodies.
But what of our hearts and minds? They are as much or more of us than just the physical body. Can we separate the two? Of course not. But do we focus and work and guard those areas of our being?
Paul uses the word “guard” in this scripture in Phillipians in a military term. Implying that our minds are a battle zone. In a wartime situation this would be to prevent an invasion. We also need to do the same with hearts and minds. The peace of God works in the same way in guarding our minds. God’s peace protects our mind from bad influences or bad thoughts that bring us down. God’s peace in us will keep us focused on Him and not the world. It will center us where we belong and not on ourselves.
God’s word tells us to meditate on what is good and pure and noble. We need to evaluate it, think on it all through our day. And God’s peace will renew our minds, guard our minds, against the world. Giving us a healthy heart and mind. A strong spirit and Christ-like life. We will have new bodies one day. But today we can renew the mind and heart through Christ Jesus. We need only to ask Him into our heart and believe in Him.
Heavenly Father, Come into our hearts and minds and renew us. Guard us against all invasions that are not of you. We give you thanks for all things, for your love and peace and grace. Amen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margie Scott lives in Arizona. She strives daily to trust God’s grace will always provide, as challenges arise due to heart problems, Parkinson, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis. mscott123@cox.net
May 30, 2009 @ 20:41:11
Hi Margie!
My mind has been dwelling lately on just what your devotional speaks of. Some friends and I were discussing Rom. 12:1,2 just last night.
Here’s Phillips paraphrase of verse 2: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into into its own mould, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the will of God is good, acceptable to him and perfect.”
This is a difficult thing to do, but, well worth it, not just for our spiritual health, but, I strongly believe, for our physical health as well.
God has used your piece to give me another little push in the right direction. Thank you!
Grace & peace!
Beth
May 30, 2009 @ 23:16:50
Hi Margie,
Oh, you are so right! Our minds are the true battlefield where the enemy can come in and pound on us with worries and get us so off track.
It may be hard to feel peace in our bodies that are so challenged but seeking God’s peace within our minds and spirit is a real key you have given us today.
I know it has helped me. Thanks so much.
Bless you!
Love,
Lynn
May 31, 2009 @ 04:15:35
I have to have a good push in the right direction every now and then myself. And God has really been dealing with me on this matter. It makes such a difference in each of my days when pain and fatigue is really pulling on me. Or when money matters really are piling up. I’m so thankful we can have peace in our hearts and minds knowing our Heavenly Father is always there to guide us and take care of us. His peace is real peace.
God Bless you Beth and Lynn, and am praying a peaceful weekend for you both.