I think we are all aware of how powerful the mind is. We live in a time of information overload. There is not a question you might have that can't be answered by a quick google search.
Have a symptom?
Get a quick diagnosis from Dr. Google.
I've done it myself. And the more I search my symptoms the bleaker my diagnosis becomes. And before long, I am feeling worse than when I started my search. My body literally starts to feel different. Now don't act as you've never done this, I know you have, we ALL do it.
Just ask any doctor. They will confirm!
That's the power of suggestion. It only takes a hint of information for us to start down a path we would have otherwise not gone down. And I am not just referring to health issues, it can be any number of things.
As Christ-followers, we must be careful of what we allow to fill our minds.
Our thoughts have power. They not only impact us but those around us.
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Read that last line of scripture again.....AND THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU!!!
----PRAISE THE LORD----
There's LOTS of information out there right now in regards to this "pandemic." Information that's causing people to act in a way they would otherwise not. Instilling fear and panic. Trying to shift the focus on the wrong hope. We need to know Who and where our true hope comes.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
As believers, we understand we battle a real enemy, (who also happens to be invisible) an enemy who wants to steal, kill and destroy us. (John 10:10) He wants to implant thoughts that draw us away from God and closer to the belief system of this world. A system that relies on self and not on God!
The battlefield begins in the mind! Spend time renewing your mind on the things of God and His Word. Let those "suggestions" or promises I should say, impart true power in the way you live, act and most importantly think!
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
We all make choices, each and every day!
Choose wisely!
Lori, thank you for this reminder. Earlier today I watched the news, something that I don’t do often. I felt so defeated as they listed the numbers of those who lost their lives to this virus. In that moment and feeling I said to myself, “why am I watching this?” I turned off the TV and started to rebuke the enemy. I am choosing to focus on the Hope of Christ. While continuing to pray for peace and Gods mercy, I remain confident in Gods ultimate plan for our lives.