Devotional

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”  —Romans 8:6 

 One call … and your mind is “off to the races.”  

 Someone you love is exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19. Or must have a biopsy. Or just lost a job.  

 Whatever the case may be, the news sends you into an immediate downward spiral. You can’t help it! There are so many terrible things happening in the world right now, it’s hard to contemplate anything but the worst scenario of every situation! 

 But what you must do is: 

 Stop. 

 Read the Romans 8:6 verse above one more time, or two … or three. God’s promise for us is life and peace … which sound so much better than fret, worry, and strife. Especially when those things are needless — when the “what ifs” don’t turn out to be the worst-case scenario at all … or instead they open the door for God to work in and through you to handle the trials with the grace, perseverance, and strength you didn’t even know you had!  

 The bottom line is: Your mind is your biggest battlefield. It can wave the white flag of surrender and defeat before the actual battle even begins. 

 The enemy wants nothing more than for you to face your circumstances with discouragement and fear. If he can win the battle for your mind, just think of the damage he can do in your life, your family, your ministry. You must defeat the enemy … and God makes it entirely possible for you to be victorious! 

 Even as the worst of circumstances swirl around you, threatening your safety, security, and health at every turn, you can rise above. 

 Philippians 4:6-8 gives you the perfect two-step solution to conquer the worry, the “what ifs” … and find the life and peace God has to offer. 

 #1 — Pray 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…” 

 #2 — Change your thoughts  

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” 

 

 My prayer this week—Lord, I want to live a life that is focused on you and experience your promise of life and peace. Help me fight and win the battle in my mind each and every day and defeat the enemy … before I am defeated! I trust you to work in all circumstances I face for my good, and to achieve your purposes.