Saturday, July 30, 2011

How Peace of Mind Works


How Peace of Mind Works

“Peace through strength”---these were the watchwords used by President Reagan to convey his belief that a strong military was necessary for America and her allies to dwell in peace in a world filled with enemies.

As new creatures in Christ, we also find ourselves encompassed by enemies---the Flesh, the World and Satan. And in this spiritual battlefield, we are told by scripture how we can dwell in calm despite the flack and pressure weighing down on our heart and mind.

The key to peace of mind amid our battle is our spiritual helmet---the word of God, especially those words of hope that help us focus on our heavenly destination.

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.  And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1John 3:2-3

When our minds are set on things above, we will be not wandering off the reservation of God’s word to a place where Satan can sift us as wheat---filling our hearts and minds with fear, despair, depression, strife, bitterness and so on.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:6-9

In other words, we are to tell our concerns to our heavenly Father by prayer with thanksgiving, and then put on our helmet of God’s truth about Jesus. This will position our hearts and minds to walk in a place where the Spirit of Christ will envelop us with peace. This is his peace that Jesus gives to his Body, which is wholly different than the peace the world gives to its own (John 14:27).

Hold your head up! Focus your affection
On things above not on things of the earth
Buckle that helmet up tight!