How to Protect Your Peace of Mind...

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you."

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

‣ Turn on the Light. Satan will attack our feeling of security with darkness. Why? Because he knows if he can consume us with fearful, dark thoughts, he can keep us further from the Light and from being a light. Satan will even go to the extent of convincing us that it's comfortable there in the dark because he wants to keep us as ineffective as possible. Jesus is the complete opposite. He's all about light because He is the Light."Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.'" (John 8:12 NLT) Peace of mind happens when we turn on the Light. To do this, start by reading a section of Scripture for about five minutes. (Do this daily and also as needed when you feel overwhelmed by darkness; and, of course, increase the amount of reading time as you feel led to.) When we go to the Word of God, we turn on the Light of the world, Who has the power to protect us and to turn our darkness into light. "You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." (Psalm 18:28 NIV)

‣ Sing songs of security. Worship is a POWERFUL weapon. Paul and Silas used it while they were chained up in prison after being brutally beaten (see Acts 16:16-40 to read about their outcome of using worship as a weapon). Singing songs of security like "It is Well with My Soul" will help us take refuge and to feel God's shield over us in the midst of those moments when it seems like He isn't working for our good. "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:11-12 NIV) God is our Protector and Provider of peace. Singing praises to Him reinforces and recognizes Who He is to us. Therefore, in the most fearful of moments, protect your peace of mind with praise. God sees you; He knows you; He won't leave you. You can trust Him.

‣ Check the locks. By design, a good lock will protect your home or business but only if used correctly. (I could go into all kinds of metaphors with locks, but I'll save that for another devotion; so stick with me here on just the basic function of a lock.) A lock is only useful if it is used. You know what I mean? I have a lock on the entrance door to my home, but if I don't turn the deadbolt, then my lock isn't useful for protecting my home. Likewise, we have metaphorical locks on our minds. What thoughts are you thinking? Do they line-up with the Word of God or with the world? Check the locks. Are your thoughts positive or negative? Fretful or faith-full? Anxious or peaceful? Check the locks. Protect your peace of mind by doing what Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP) instructs to do: "Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]." Turn those deadbolts into lock mode with prayer and give thanks as you give God the keys...

‣ Give God the keys. "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6 NLT) Simply put: let God be God. Surrender control. I know, I know. Letting God have control is not easy, but out of all of us, He has the most ability to protect our peace of mind. So, let's let Him. After checking the locks (your part), give God the keys (His part) to let Him have access to your mind so that you can have complete access to peace of mind.

‣ Wrap up in Love. The other day I asked my nieces when they feel most safe, and they both said without hesitation when they are surrounded by love. I couldn't agree more. I have the most peace of mind when I am wrapped up in a big, fluffy blanket of love. I can rest easier because love covers (see Proverbs 10:12); love protects (see 1 Corinthians 13:7); and love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). Since God is Love and we love God, then we are wrapped in Love (see 1 John 4) . "'Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.'" (Psalm 91:14-15 NIV)  Take hold of God's love. Wrap yourself up in Him. He will give you peace of mind, so you can rest easily.

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble

and surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7 NIV