An Invisible, yet Powerful Guard

By Pastor Sharon Hurkens, July 8th, 2021

From one moment to the next, our thought patterns change. The original outlook we had for the year, the day or moment is changed in an instant. How can it be possible that from one moment to the next the “truth” we knew in our minds is changed to a different “truth?”

I like to think that my mind is focused on Christ and His plans for my life or even my day are “set in stone” but that is false thinking. Peter, a disciple willing to do anything for Christ one moment and then in the next, he denied Christ. In one moment, Peter is open to the fresh revelations from God and then we find him descending to the valley of being in denial.

If the thoughts of humans and the purpose of Satan could take command of the mind of the apostle Peter, you and I must be alert to the same dangers. If Satan infiltrated the mind of Peter, he can infiltrate our minds and cause us to think thoughts and accept ideas that are erroneous and harmful.

We need to be on guard against believing the lies of Satan and those used by him to distract us from what God has in store for our lives.

How do we guard against false thoughts penetrating our minds to the point where our actions are causing us to live lives in denial of who we actually are in Christ?

Once again Scripture to the rescue.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; …and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard (protect) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We move, act, speak and function according to the healthy or unhealthy “guard” on our minds. Beginning the day with reading a Scripture, letting it marinate (soak) in our minds before we rush off into the harsh reality of our days will combat what the enemy of our lives has in store for us.

Even if you think you are not able to memorize Scripture, the Holy Spirit will remind you of what you read whenever you need that particular Scripture.

The powerful yet invisible “guard” on your minds is a tool in the hands of the Holy Spirit to protect your thoughts and enable you to act, speak and function according to God’s guidance.

Prayer: Lord thank you for the privilege of being able to enter your presence any time, anywhere and in any state of mind. Help me to make my requests known to you, O God and in return please let your peace which surpasses all understanding wash over me and place a guard over my mind and heart. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Note of Action: When you have prayed this prayer, go about your activities as you previously would have, but, notice that you have changed. You have a peace which you did not have before. If, however, nothing has changed and you are still experiencing anguish, get back on your knees and pray again. Then wait in God’s presence before you rush on to the next task.