In the times when I should be most mentally vigilant, I long to be most mentally lazy.
Our bodies are created in the most intricate ways. Even the systems that are virtually invisible to us are deeply connected to those that are revealed in the physical.
In this 21st century, such connection is being better understood. It is now estimated that as much as 80-90% of primary care physician visits are related to stress or emotional issues that are impacting physical systems.
If our thoughts can contribute to disease and effectually make us sick, can our thoughts contribute to healing and help to make us well? I am inclined to believe the answer is yes.
Comprehending this powerful relationship between mind and body is key to healthy function. Choosing to think on what is good and pure and worthy of my mental attention can help to steer me in the right direction and impact my body to go along that same path.
But at the point that I am in the need of mental acuity and control, I find it the most taxing. Just as the mind affects the body, the symptoms in my body can create apathy or negativity in my mind. When my body is fatigued or compromised by pain or illness, my mind seems to want to go rogue.
Mental diligence is fleeting, as I watch it in my imagination come and go like a vapor. I rationalize that as my body needs rest, I can let my mind rest wherever it lands. But this theory is faulty. I can only benefit when my thoughts rest on truth. I must set up a place for them to dwell.
As a believer in Jesus, I must allow Holy Spirit to enable me to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5b). This is not possible for me to accomplish on my own, as it is tedious and exhausting and can be frustrating in my failure and inability to perform. But I can lean fully into His grace, and He empowers me and brings victory in my struggle.
I create a protected nest for thoughts to settle, to roost. By the Spirit of God, I remind myself of His promises and His goodness. I choose life and fix my heart on Jesus and what He has done and what He will do in my life.
May we all recognize the value of choosing our thoughts with wisdom, in seasons of divine health and in seasons of physical battle. As we lean on the anointing and power of God, may we trust His help to discipline our minds towards healing and freedom.
“Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with You; they confidently trust in You.” - Isaiah 26:3
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- Romans 12:2
Source: Freepik.com