Think On These Things

There's a line in Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" that says, The idle brain is the devil's playground...Oh we got trouble! We fight with the mind every day, whether we're working, relaxing, in fellowship or laying down to sleep at night. Our brains work overtime on whatever settles into them, and that can be dangerous.

How often have you worried over something that never happened?
Or prepared a conversation, repeating it again and again?
Have you speculated about someone's actions instead of asking them about it?
Do you ever picture the worst-case scenario so you're ready if it happens?
Maybe you've let your mind consider all the possibilities rather than take God at His Word?

These are all ways that we allow evil to creep into our minds. Without giving him too much credit, the devil can whisper lies in your ear that sink into your brain. Then you think on it, work it over, chew on it for a while and then turn it to worry, hate and more lies.

And he knows that this is one of my weaknesses. My fleshly brain doesn't turn itself off too often, especially when circumstances get tough. Evil uses this point of entry to steal my joy and wreck the day.

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. Philippians 4:8

The quickest way to shoo the devil from your side is to quote Scripture. It is the balm of the soul and the clearer of minds. When I'm swamped with thoughts that drag me under, this is the first Scripture I turn to. It's the perfect checklist for whether or not I need to be thinking on whatever I'm thinking on.

Is it true?
Is it honest?
Is it just?
Is it pure?
Is it lovely?
Is it of good report?
Is it virtuous?
Is it full of praise?

If you answered no to any of these questions...don't think on it! Sound easy? Well, I assure you it's not. There is nothing in our human flesh that could clear our minds on its own. We do not personally have the power to overcome the working of evil, but I serve a Living God who does!

By flooding your mind with the things of God - Scripture, music, prayer - you can force out all of the nasty stuff. Fight fire with holy fire from God Himself and He'll help you win the battle of the mind.

So turn on some great music full of Bible truth, dig deep into the Scripture and fall on your knees in prayer. You'll be so overwhelmed with God's presence that you won't have any room in your brain for anything else. Think on those things for a while!

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