My faith and trust in the Lord is being tested by trials of pain and sorrow because of an inner turmoil that seems to be taking control of the person I love most. His battle with physical pain is defeating his mindset of the peace that Christ already gave him. I know the pain is very real, it's driving him to hear the voice of the enemy even stronger. He is driven to find solutions in false security. I can see the cycle of destruction going around and around with what seems to be no end in sight. But, I keep hanging on with diligence and faith that God will bring this to an end. I know there is a good ending to this because I have been praying in the will of God that He will fight this battle and once again bring order back into our lives as He has already promised. But, it's the waiting that's hard and that's where my true faith comes in. If you're fighting a battle that seems lost already, have you given it to God? Praise Him in all situations.
The reason people are at risk to defeat is because their mind and heart are no longer connected on God for their victory. I'm sure you've heard that the mind is the battlefield. Once Satan enters into this playing field, he can take over your thoughts which are not the same thoughts that God wants you to have.
It only makes sense that Satan does not and can not live in a man's heart if he has been truly saved. This is where Christ resides through the Holy Spirit. When Christ enters in to a person's heart, then it takes a lot of conscious effort to keep Him there. The Bible says that the heart is naturally corrupt. That is why when God gives us a new heart, it's by His act of grace and mercy. It's nothing any one can do, it's humanly impossible to save yourself. Our salvation comes from God Almighty alone, it's not achieved by acts of good works...or good thoughts for that matter. God's Word says our minds are naturally corrupt as well. It's man's sin nature from the beginning of Adam's fall in the garden. Now we all have it but can be freed from death by Christ alone. But it takes a head and heart connection in order to be successful in our fight against Satan. He doesn't want to see us free. That's just one less soul he'll have to keep him company when God's final judgement casts him into eternal hell.
"For out of the heart come evil thoughts (reasonings and disputings and designs) such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, and irreverent speech." Mt. 15:19 (Amplified)
But this is where the battle begins. Satan is a liar and once he enters into a person's thoughts, your mind will be disconnected from your heart, even though a person may have accepted Christ. The Bible says our Christian walk is a very real battle with the powers and principalities of demon forces. God has given us armor for protection, but if we don't use it, the enemy can defeat our victorious walk. Our minds are the basis of keeping God in our hearts. One very important piece of armor is the helmet of salvation. We must protect our minds with thoughts of Christ. (Eph. 6:17) Of course Satan wants your thoughts as far away from Christ as possible. That gives him the power over you. That is why the apostle Paul penned these words:
"And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind (having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude." Eph. 4:23 (Amplified)
It must be done "constantly" in order to defeat what the enemy is saying to us about certain things, whether it's our finances, health, our salvation, or situations that seems to be destroying us. It all begins with our minds. If we let these defeating thoughts take over, we will then eventually lose the battle for true happiness and Satan has won.
I have made the utmost effort in my own life to preserve my spiritual happiness by what I think about. God's Word tells us that as the mind thinks, the heart will follow. Don't let it be of wickedness.
"For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and loveable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them.)" Phil. 4:8 (Amplified)
Virtue is what God is, virtue is worthy of praise because praise is what keeps Satan away. Satan can not stay where there is praise. So, it's very important that no matter what the circumstances may look like, we must think on praising God in order to retain His peace that lives in our hearts. To remain fixed on everything good that God has already promised is the key factor to remaining in the happiness that Christ died to give us. Think about that!
When you know the promises of God, it gets easier to go into battle with Satan, but for those who are spiritually immature, the fight will not go even two rounds. It's a shame to see these people lose their battles and lose them swiftly because they can't understand the concept of their faith and how it can be used against the enemy. Their battles become yours as well. It's a constant spiritual conflict between good and evil. But, as I remain constant in my walk to retain the peace that Christ has given me, I know I will over come the attacks on my own spiritual well being. I know that I am covered in the blood and can not be touched, but it sure does make for some hellish days on earth. Christ did say it would not be easy. I have to stand firm! Are you ready to do the same?
If you or someone you know are going through a disconnection of heart and mind, just remember that Christ has already defeated the enemy, don't become threatened by his scare tactics and surrender. Just know that Christ knows your hurts and feels your pain and if you truly want His victory, think about God's virtue. Turn over all thoughts of negative devices to Him and let His love, which lives in your heart reach up and reconnect with your mind. It really is mind over matter.
In order to do this, you must let God's Word speak to you. God gives us people who can speak to us through His infinite wisdom. Let down your prideful nature and ask for help from someone who understands. Christ is always standing at the ready, but you must be willing to listen. Don't shut others out if you're experiencing inner turmoil. Get reconnected! This is true happiness in the spirit. Be stronger than Satan's tactics and attacks.
Let Christ be your first thought in the morning and the last one at night for true peace and happiness.
Vivian Gordon writes articles pertaining to God's instructions and the examples He has given us in order to grow on this Christian walk with Him. She hopes that they can inspire the Christian to grow spiritualy and maturely in their lives.