Over the course of this year, I’ve participated in Living Proof Ministry Blog‘s Siesta Scripture Memory Team. That involves memorizing two verses per month, one staring on the first and the next starting on the fifteenth of each month. I had already started working on another memory verse as of a couple of days ago, but I just hadn’t had an opportunity to write it down yet. Then today happened. I had an unexpected encounter with someone who stirred up some unwelcome feelings, memories, and information. I was caught off guard and my mind started reeling with all of the facts that I didn’t want to know.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a crazy downward spiral brought on by gossip. I wasn’t involved in that mess directly, but as I watched the effects unravel before my eyes, I was reminded of the importance of something crucial in my daily life. Guard my mind!
I did nothing to bring on either situation, but both times I was given a wealth of information that I just didn’t need to know before I even knew it was going to hit me. Suddenly I was responsible for what I was going to do with the information. I could dwell on it; I could share it; or I could pray that God would take EVERY thought captive. Honestly, even though we all know the last option is the right one, it is just not the easiest one. That’s why I’m claiming the promise in Philippians 4:7:
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Quite frankly, I’m not strong enough to guard my mind on my own. I needed so desperately the prayers of the sweet, Godly woman who went before the throne while we talked on the phone a few minutes ago. And I need the peace of God. It truly does surpass my understanding in this moment, and I’m so grateful.