The Battle for Your Mind
Lately, I’ve found myself in a bit of a battle with the enemy. He has been trying to reclaim a space that he no longer has possession of – my mind. I evicted him a couple of years ago, and for some reason he thinks he can just come back and set up homestead again.
It seems that the more I submit myself to the Lord and the plans He has for my life, here comes that old raggedy devil trying to throw a monkey wrench into the works. Well I’m not having it.
Our relationship is over, and the space he once occupied in my mind has been filled with soundness. I’m free, and I intend to remain that way.
My mind used to be the devil’s playground; he’d get in there and play all kinds of games. All of the lies and crazy thoughts he planted in my mind had me all out of sorts. For years, I was so mentally unstable, going through life in a daze because I couldn’t think straight. My mind was not sound at all. And because my psyche was under the enemy’s influence, my life, in turn, was in complete disarray.
I fought a long, hard battle through prayer, fasting, and meditating on God’s word to overcome the enemy in that area of my life, and I refuse to ever allow him to control, or influence, my mind again.
Clearly, although the Lord has freed me from that bondage, it still doesn’t stop Satan from trying to ease his way back into my thoughts, overtake my mind, and ultimately knock me off the path that God destined for me. Oh but the devil’s a liar, because John 8:36 declares that “if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” I will not be going on anymore mental trips.
I am serving the devil notice that he should’ve kept me ensnared when he had the chance. Now the spirit of the Lord resides and works in me, and because of that, I am forever free. Never again will I be entangled by the yoke of bondage in my mind, or any other area of my life. You can't have my mind.
You should make the same declaration.
If the Lord has delivered you from something, or someone, don’t you dare allow the enemy to trap you again. The fact that God freed you indicates that there’s somewhere He’s trying to take you; the fact that the enemy wants to keep you bound indicates that He doesn’t want you to get to that place in God. The Lord did not, or will not, break your chains simply because He has the power to do so. But there is a reason behind that. He doesn’t want anything to hold you back from soaring and becoming all that He’s destined you to be. He desires for you to live out His amazing purpose for your life.
But the enemy, on the other hand, has a three-part goal in mind: to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He has nothing but demise in mind when it comes to the children of God. So when he comes to steal your joy, kill your destiny, or destroy your life, fire back with your God-given ammunition.
Satan’s powers are erased by the power of God’s word.
If you’re like me and you’ve been in a freedom-fight with the enemy, keep pressing onward. Speak the word of God over yourself and stand fast in the liberty where Christ has made you free (Galatians 5:1). Declare that you will not return to that place of bondage, whether in your mind; in sin; in addiction; in bitterness; in unforgiveness; in relationships; or in conformity. You are free.
If the Spirit of God that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, you have all you need to overcome the enemy in any arena. When the enemy comes against you, simply press all the more into the powerful presence of the Lord, and Satan will flee far from you.
6 Comments
Reader Comments (6)
I have been going through my own issues with my mind. I have been praying and praying, and just meditating on God's word. When I get stressed out, my mind just goes everywhere and I find it hard to get to that place of peace and serenity I need. Thanks for this article to let me know I'm not alone here!
I have been clean and free of drug addiction for the past 4 years and when life gets hectic, the devil plays on my thoughts. He tries to get me to go back to old ways and habits but he is a liar! I have victory through Jesus Christ. This article is right on the money for me at this stage in my journey with Christ as a drug free woman. God bless you.
When my mind gets to going it can be almost impossible to reel it back in! I have made some huge mistakes in my past. BIG ONES!! And I have hurt a lot of people but I am not proud of it. I am learning still how to forgive myself so I can receive God's forgiveness. I'm trying to get where you are but you sharing your testimony is making believe it's possible.
@Anonymous, Praise God for 4 years of being drug free! That is awesome!! I'm sure it has not been an easy journey, but by the grace of God, you are free. You may as well tell that old devil to take a back seat, because you will continue to walk in victory through Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to know that my testimony is so relevant for you during this stage in your life. Keep your mind on the Lord, and He'll surely carry you through those testing times. My prayers are with you as you continue to press onward.
Perry, thanks so much for reading and sharing your heart. I know how hard it can be to forgive yourself when you feel like you've done so much wrong in your life. I encourage you to release those unresolved feelings you have towards yourself, and give them over to the Lord. Ask Him to forgive you for the pain you've caused to others and yourself, and to help you move forward from the guilt of your past. God is gracious and merciful towards you, and ready to forgive you despite the enormity of what you've done. My prayers are with you.
Warmly,
LaKeisha
I have DEFINITELY been in the FREEDOM FIGHT!!!!! Lord knows!! There is a history of mental illness in my family. My mother stuggles with depression TO THIS DAY and is on medication for it. My father who is also a drug addict has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Sometimes I feel like I am DOOMED to have mental, emotional and psychological issues and I worry a lot about that. EVERY DAY is struggle to fight for my mind's freedom. But I will not stop!! I'm so thankful for this encouragement!!!
Hi Amber! Thanks so much for reading and sharing your comment. I'm so glad that this blessed you. Be encouraged in knowing that you are NOT your family history.
Blessings,
LaKeisha