How do you guard your mind against negative thoughts

A frequently asked question is: How do you guard your mind against negative thoughts 

Within your body is a living working organ called the heart. It is a major player in the body’s circulatory system. This organ is different from the heart which is spoken of in the Bible. In the Bible, the heart and the mind are representing the core of a person's being and inner life, emotions, thoughts, purpose and will and both are interconnected. You cannot be connected to God unless your inner being which refers to both the heart and mind are fully submissive to God.

God is the essence of everything that is good and goodness radiates positivity. We were created by God in His image and likeness and we are given the power of free choice. At the beginning of humans’ existence, we were solely positive but negativity came when Adam and Eve were deceived by the devil. Thus, negativity and positivity are results of human thoughts and actions.

Your mind has a lot of power over how you live your life and your spiritual and physical health; a great example is the body's fight-or-flight response when you are faced with situations. For example, sometimes when you think about stressful things, your mind signals the body to prepare, resulting in an increased heart rate, headaches, panic, faster breathing and higher blood pressure and tightened muscles which can lead to cramps.

Many are plagued by negative thinking and their mind seems to be taking them places that they do not want to go. Many struggle with mind problems and do not know how to bring their minds under control. The mind that is aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress is psychosomatic. The effects of this condition can include: mental breakdown, lack of sleep, tiredness, illnesses of different sorts, headaches and poor appetite.

Is the mind uncontrollable? No. however, it takes great effort and subjection to God to bring the mind under permanent control. Human philosophies and medical care cannot permanently give peace of mind or prevent a mind from being plagued with negativity. The mind is the centre of your well-being and must be guarded so that it does not lead to your destruction.

One reason that allows evil forces to manipulate the mind is unconfessed sins. If you are holding on to behaviours that are unrighteous or you are unforgiving or bitter your mind is open for evil. You cannot ask the Lord for a clean heart when you have ungodly visitors sitting enthroned within. God can only help you to have a pure mind when your thoughts, ambitions, desires are open to Him.

What does the Scripture say about the mind?

Romans 8:5-6 - For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

⁶ For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

We have two components – physical and spiritual; Romans 8:5-6 speak to both aspects. If your mind is not centred on spiritual matters, you cannot act spiritually. If your thoughts are only carnal or worldly, your actions will lead not only to physical death but also spiritual death. Sin is the result of disobedience to the commands of God; it is the transgression of God’s Laws. It is a result of submitting to our carnal desires. In opposition, positive thoughts give you spiritual connection to the Lord and inner peace.

Philippians 2:5 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus

Jesus was tempted by Satan yet He did not sin. He did not allow ungodly thoughts to fester or be manifested in His life. Yes, He had needs and desires but He demonstrated temperance. The Scriptures teach about the characteristics and integrity of Christ; as you study the Scriptures and learn about Christ you ought to follow His example. By following His example your thoughts are focused on Him and your inner being becomes purer.

Psalms 119:15 - I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways.

This world consists of good and evil. While Jesus was on earth He related to those around Him yet He never allowed anyone to influence His thought processes. He submitted Himself to His Father and the Holy Spirit helped Him to keep focused. In an effort to keep your mind pure you must meditate on godly things. It is possible for one to be of a good moral standard yet not be godly. You may not steal, lie or participate in common sinful activities but that doesn’t make you righteous. While good moral habits are included in righteousness the habits by themselves do not make you righteous. Do you desire a pure mind? If you do, let your thoughts be centred on the Lord and give no room to evil. You centre your mind by studying and meditating on the word of God, obeying the word and fast and pray.

1 Peter 1:13: Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to gird the loins of your mind? It means that you ought to be careful of your thoughts. Your mind is a garden and you ought to be careful of the plants you allow to grow there. If you do not maintain your spiritual dignity the devil will plant evil things in your garden. You ought to heed the warning given in Ephesians 4:27 - Neither give place to the devil.

In Colossians 3:2 Apostle Paul encouraged us to Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. This action calls for much sacrifice; it means that you deny yourself of the things which would appeal to your mind. Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6:24 -No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 1John 2:15 records Apostle John saying, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Do not allow your lust for material things to corrupt your heart and separate you from Christ.

Your friends have great influence on your thoughts and actions and you are warned in Colossians 2:8 - Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. If you run with wolves you learn how to howl so guard your inner being from invasion of impurities.

By heeding 2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, you can overcome your mind challenges. Remember this is not a battle that is won by your own power or intellect. You must seek Christ’s intervention and be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to strip you, wash you and polish you.

Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Do you want to have a less stressful life? Place your confidence in the Lord. Many problems arise because confidence was wrongly placed. Humans will deceive and you learn from Psalm 118:8- It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Your life will be less stressful if you trust God more.

 Psalm 19:14- Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Keep your thoughts pure by focusing on good things, do not worry about real or perceived problems, let go of your burning desires which seem unattainable to you. Be contented and learn to praise God in every situation. The devil can influence your thoughts but cannot cause you to nourish those negative thoughts that he brings. Whatever you do is your choice. Remember God has given you the power of free choice. Use it wisely.

 Psalm 139:23-24- Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

As you struggle with mind attacks, please remember that God knows your thoughts and you can ask Him to remove every form of ungodliness from your thoughts and make you a better person.

Proverbs 3:5- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. It is a common belief that mind problems can be resolved by medication or human efforts that are not aligned to God Almighty. These practices cannot permanently absolve mind issues. Your mind can only be clear when you place your faith in God.

Proverbs 4:23- Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Your heart in this context is referring to your seat of intelligence which is your mind. Be careful what you allow yourself to think about. You can poison yourself by your thoughts. Only you have control over your thoughts. Think positively.

Proverbs 17:22- A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Are you worried about life situations? How thankful are you for the blessings of the Lord? Did you know that an ungrateful heart comes from a mind which harbours dissatisfaction? Be happy for the daily blessings and your inner being will be settled in peace and contentment.

In closing I give you the best solution to a troubled mind. Ephesians 5:19-29 - Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

 Philippians 4:8-  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 Writer - A. E. Fisher

 We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at  

ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com 

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/