To be perfectly honest, I struggle daily!

I have been fighting a battle for so long; Sometimes I grow weary and want to quit! But I must never give in; Because if I do, Satan will steal any hope I have of living a victorious life! Jesus Christ paved the way and laid the groundwork, and it is firm; But I must take my stand! I must hold my post; I cannot give in to doubt or worry or fear! Yet, at times, all around is screaming for me to take the easy way out; At times, I feel engulfed in sinking sand!

Heavenly Father, I put no confidence in human effort. Thank you for working in me to assume the desire and the power to do what pleases you. YOU, Oh LORD, have exposed the mind as the battleground, and training for battle is necessary! A taking up of the armor daily, for protection, for defense while rejoicing in the One Who has secured the Victory! I know how I think is how I live; it says who I am and dictates where I put my allegiance! Thank you for redeeming me by the blood of the Lamb and that Heaven will be my home one day. Help each of us who are in this struggle together. Help us to work together with one mind and purpose for the glory of God.

In the New Testament of the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrote extensively on the mind and unity of the body of Christ. Maybe they go hand in hand!

“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ…

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ…We are in this struggle together…working together with one mind and purpose…For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Philippians 1:20a, 27a, 30a; 2:2b, 13 (NLT)

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground…”

Ephesians 6:13-14a

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life…I will rejoice even if I lose my life…your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice…Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.”

Philippians 2:14-18; 3:1a

Last week I completed two 16-week classes focusing on the mind. Both the counseling class and studying the Bible class held me spellbound while looking into the New Testament book of Philippians. God orchestrated those two classes going hand in hand. He also dropped them in my lap, so to speak. Just remember, He never moves without purpose or plan—so whatever happens “Rejoice in the Lord!”

Ron Hamilton recently went to be with the Lord after spending the last 13 years of his life with Dementia. In all that time he never lost the smile on his face. He leaves a legacy of music for others to enjoy. My favorite song he wrote would be the following:

O Rejoice in the Lord

Verse 1
God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

Chorus
O rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

Verse 2
I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

Chorus
O rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

Verse 3
Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

Chorus
O rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

The Battleground for the mind is a daily discipline. Start by bowing to the will of our Master! Help us, Oh LORD, to come forth as gold!