There are days when I feel like I'm going to lose my mind! Has this ever happened to you? It's like nothing is going your way and everything seems to be against you.
I have had to learn that God truly loves me and is for me - and I have news for you... He loves you and longs to show you!
In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, the apostle Paul encourages them by saying, “A final word: be strong in the Lord and in his great power. Put on the whole armor of God to be able to stand firm against all the devil's strategies. For we do not fight against enemies of flesh and blood…” Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT
The apostle Paul says that our battle is not against flesh and blood but with evil spirits. How does the devil battle against us? The devil (the adversary) battles with us through our thoughts.
The psalmist, on several occasions, said to himself: “Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why do you fret within me?” In other words, he was encouraging himself, correcting his emotions and his thoughts. He said to himself, “Wait in God, for I must still praise him. He is my God! He is my Savior!” And on another occasion, also encouraging himself, he said: “Praise the Lord, my soul! All my inmost being, praise His holy Name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits!” see Psalm 42, Psalm 43 and Psalm 103 NLT
One day, when he was still a young shepherd, the psalmist was sent by his father to bring food to his brothers who were facing Israel's enemy troops, the Philistines. The Philistines had a champion they called Goliath. This man was a giant in stature and mocked the God of Israel and his army, daily. 1 Samuel 17 Have you ever felt like this - like the challenge is so big and it's mocking you right in your face?
Upon hearing the words of this giant, the shepherd boy was filled with indignation and began to ask, "What will the man receive who kills the Philistine?" The commotion he created was so great that he was taken to the king, Saul, who asked him, “David, are you mentally okay? How are you going to face that giant if you have no combat training?” David, this young shepherd, thought about the many times God had protected him and had given him victory over the bear and lion while the He took care of his sheep. David remembered the goodness of God and His protection and thought, “If God is for me, who can be against me?” The king looked him up and down and must have thought, “This kid's crazy!” The king wanted to offer him his armor to help him fight against the giant. However, David recognized that the king's armor would be of no use to him. Likewise, many times, we look to other's experiences as a model for us. God desires us to experience Him personally. And David, thanking Saul, left the armor where it was, grabbed some stones from the river, and took refuge in the promises of God and in his own past experiences with that same God of Israel.
God gave victory to that young shepherd. With the same sword that the giant was going to use to kill him, David beheaded the giant.
How can we win the battles of our minds and thoughts? Remembering how much God loves us. Strengthening ourselves in His faithfulness and acting by faith. Do not listen to the comments of others... seek the word of God for yourself.
How can we win the battles over fear, anxiety, and depression and cultivate good mental health? Be curious about God and the promises He offers us - such as PEACE, ACCEPTANCE, FORGIVENESS, and SALVATION through Jesus Christ.
Remember how much He loves you! Strengthening yourself in His faithfulness and walk by faith in that love.