I've Made Up My Mind

Do you have negative thoughts about yourself? Do you fall prey to the tactics of the enemy who tells you -- "You are a loser" -- "You'll never amount to anything" -- "You won't make it!" Ugh!

I remember learning -- slowly and sometimes stubbornly -- that the real battleground isn’t out there. It’s right between my ears.

Winning the battle of the mind changes everything. Peace shows up. Joy stays longer. And goodness and mercy feel a lot more at home.

David said it best: “I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND to obey Your laws forever, no matter what.” (Psalm 119:112)
That’s not wishful thinking -- that’s a ROCK-SOLID decision!

If managing our minds were easy, none of us would ever replay old conversations, worry at 3 a.m., or mentally rewrite yesterday. The truth is, we’re up against three persistent opponents.

First, there’s our old nature. Paul admitted it out loud: “There is another power within me that is at war with my mind.” (Romans 7:23) Ever do the very thing you swore you wouldn’t do again? Welcome to the human race!

Second, there’s the enemy of our souls. He can’t make us do anything -- but he’s excellent at suggestions. He whispers discouragement, doubt, and fear. He’ll use headlines, social media, or that quiet moment when we’re tired and vulnerable.

No wonder our minds get weary.

But here’s the good news -- we are not defenseless. “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) That means our minds don’t run the show -- we do, with God’s help.

God gave us not only a mind, but a will. And willpower anchored in truth is powerful.

So I’ve made up my mind. I’m choosing what gets airtime in my thoughts. I’m tuning in to what’s true, noble, lovely, and life-giving. I’m listening to the voice of the Savior -- not the thief.

I’ve got my battle gear on, and I’m in it to win it!
After all, Jesus didn’t come to steal our peace -- He came to give us abundant life. (John 10:10)

And that’s a thought worth keeping.