Mind Games

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

Today was evidence of that! I survived the day - and even came home with a good attitude.




Much of life and service is a mind game. I don't mean that in some bizarre, manipulating way; I mean it's "all in your head." Today I determined in my mind - with God's help - to stay cheerful despite the circumstances...and the circumstances only got worse (not only were we out the teacher I'm replacing, another had to go to an appointment in the afternoon, and the lady who was working in the office had to go home sick!). Now, for a small Christian school, that doesn't leave too many staff members to fill in the gaps! Somehow we juggled schedules, classes, and people - and it was all taken care of. But best of all, I didn't have my usual attack of resistance to the changes in my plans! I guess in a way I had already surrendered my "day off" so I may as well have surrendered to the craziness of the day's schedule.


I waste a lot of time worrying needlessly and dreading things that aren't worthy of being dwelled on. If only I could always capture my thoughts before they turn negative (II Cor. 10:5, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ). If what I know about God is true (He loves me, He's in control, He knows the end of each situation, He's working for my good even through the hard things), then I could cast down those things which go against the truth. Again, baby steps here! I'm learning, finally.


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8.


Back in the 80's when computers first were becoming accessible to the average student, I heard the phrase "garbage in, garbage out" all the time when it came to entering DOS commands (did I just date myself?)! And I heard it applied to the mind as well. What we dwell on and think about does come out! The more good, pure, true thoughts that we fill our minds with, the more truth that will come out!


I'm a little afraid to write all this down - because I tend to put TOO MUCH pressure on myself & fail too quickly once I've had a tiny victory or break-through in a matter. I don't want to be pious and let pride take over - but I do want to win this mind game!