HAD ENOUGH OF THE ENEMY'S MIND GAMES?

The devil can try to overpower you with his tactics of lying and intimidation. He can try to come against you with fearful thoughts and pessimistic projections of your future. But his lies don’t stand a chance against the truth of God’s Word.

The Bible is filled with words and images that have the power to renew your mind.

While you might not be able to stop the wrong mental movies from playing in your mind, you can replace them with the right ones from Scripture.

For example, if the enemy gives you a picture of being in lack, replace it with Psalm 23:1 NLT, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” If he gives you a picture of catching a deadly disease, replace it with Psalm 91:7, “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.” If he gives you a picture of your children going astray, replace it with Isaiah 54:13 NIV, “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”

My friend, I want to encourage you to discover what God’s Word says about you and your family. Fill your mind with the wonderful plans He has for you. Fill your mind with pictures of His provision, protection, and peace.

The devil might try to pull you into a downward spiral with his lies, but you have the Scriptures to show you the truth that sets you free. Armed with the eternal Word of God, you can win the fight!

Learn how to beat fear and anxiety in Joseph’s latest series, Win the Fight.

When Jesus found the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:1–20, he was all alone. His demons had driven him into the mountains to live among tombs, where all he could see and think of was death. Isolated and tormented by terrible thoughts, he cut himself, hurt himself, and cried out into the darkness of long and painful nights.

You see, depressive thoughts thrive in the dark, cold atmosphere of isolation. But they melt away in the light and warmth of community.

God tells us in His Word to “resist him [the devil], steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Pet. 5:9). My friend, you receive power and strength to resist the devil and his mind games when you are part of a community. Your burdens are lifted when you share your struggles and realize that you are not alone. More people in the body of Christ are facing the “same sufferings” as you than you realize!

Beloved, God wants you surrounded by people who can empathize with you and encourage you in His love and grace (see Heb. 10:25). Can I encourage you to find these friends? Maybe that means joining a local church. Maybe that means responding to the people who have already been reaching out to you.

When you get planted in community, you’ll be able to stand strong against the enemy’s mind games because you won’t be standing alone. Together, you can win the fight!

Find out more about the power of community in Joseph’s latest series, Win the Fight.