And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:7
6 Powerful Bible Verses To Take Control of The Mind
Written by Dean Marini
Many of us our watching the Olympics right now (or any year that it is on) and are captivated by the exploits of the incredible athletes performing at such a high level. One of the things I personally enjoy about the Olympics is the chance to watch sports I have never heard of or are not as popular as some of the others. I am fascinated by the sport of fencing, for example, and while I have certainly had my fair share of pretend sword fights growing up, I have never actually participated. A notable French phrase fencers use when beginning a match really stood out to me this year: “On guard.”
In writing to the early church of Philippi, the Apostle Paul cautioned its members of their need to remain “on guard.” More specifically, to guard their hearts and minds … a command most applicable for us today. Perhaps more obviously than ever, the enemy is prowling about seeking to destroy us by all means possible. One of his favorite (and most easy) targets? Our minds.
As we have seen in recent months, and as we have seen during this year’s Olympic Games even, our mindset is critical to how we will perform, behave and survive. World class athletes certainly must exercise power of the mind properly. Powerfully trained bodies are not exempt in having to take total control of their mind, ruling over their emotions — and they, like us, need spiritual guidance to do it.
Emotions are one of the most powerful weapons the enemy uses to defeat us; to keep us living a life of frustration instead of victory. Think of this: It is said that if 99 people paid us a compliment and only one made a negative comment, the majority of us would fixate on that negative rather than all the positive. I have found this to be true in my own life. I tend to dwell on the daily disappointments and struggles more than the daily blessings from God.
But fear not! There is a remedy to all of this. We can win the battle of the mind, including our emotions. Scripture committed to memory is a powerful tool — not only to guard our minds, but to quiet our ever-fleeting emotions. A word of caution however — this is not easy. The devil will do all he can to interrupt this time of Scriptural study and prayer. In addition, if you are anything like me, you may find that while you can quote every word to a favorite TV show theme song, you have to work extra hard to quote Scripture. I wish I was as good as some of my friends who can quote Scripture verses with almost computer-like accuracy. I have found however, that while I cannot always remember where every verse is found, with committed study and prayer, God’s Word becomes me. It lives and dwells within me, giving me the power over my mind when I need it most.
Here are 6 Powerful Bible Verses To Take Control of The Mind:
6 Powerful Bible Verses To Take Control of The Mind
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above; not on earthly things.
When we set our minds on “things above,” we are reminded that the trial or situation we are going through is only temporary — especially in light of all eternity.
Psalm 26:2
Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my mind and my heart.
When we place our minds and our hearts in God’s care each day, they will not be exposed to the enemy or to our own selfish desires.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
We are not simply called to keep positive things in our minds — but Godly things. When we look at each of life’s events through the lens of Scripture, prayer and the will of our Heavenly Father, we will then truly gain a peace that transcends all understanding.
Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid (insecure/hesitant) I will trust in You. In God, whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
When we truly realize that God is for us, we will never become defeated. Yes, we will be challenged (often times by our own insecurities and lack of self worth), but not defeated. Guarding our minds helps us to recognize our weaknesses as well as the enemy’s attacks; and to respond in praise and prayer rather than succumbing to fear and doubt.
Psalm 112:7
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD
Remind yourself often of the mighty deeds of God and what He has already done in your life. When I remind myself of His faithfulness, it redeems my thoughts, emboldens my prayers, and glorifies Him with my praise. God inhabits and blesses the praises of His people.
Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.
There will be times when you are anxious. In those moments, meditate on this verses (as well as the others), and guard your mind with the divinely inspired words of Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Written by Dean Marini
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