“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” I Peter 1:13

“And idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” I know you have heard this saying many times. It is not validated in the bible; but speaks of the propensity to allow thoughts and deeds of negativity to invade our mental space. The enemy is waiting to take advantage of our weaknesses and to subtly allow pessimism to enter our minds. He seeks to bring us down with fear, anxiety, and even evil deeds against others. He is the father of all lies.

In order to walk victorious along this Christian journey we must guard our hearts and minds against spiritual wickedness. The fight is not against our neighbor or even our own corrupt human nature; it is against the enemy of our souls. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. This is a continuous battle, and it is not over until we reach our final destination in heaven with the Lord.

Satan and his army of evil forces vehemently walk about seeking to destroy the child of God. Our mind is his most vulnerable area of attack. We must keep our minds on God’s truth. Philippians 4:8 admonishes us “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.” God centered, positive and true things are the foundations of a peaceful mind and safeguard from onslaughts brought on by the enemy.

When we embrace the Lord and follow Him, we can walk with a “sober” mind. We will be attacked over and over again; but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome the assaults of the devil. We must as 1 Peter 1:13 states “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” The thought is to prepare for the fight… man-up and “tuck” in our long garments so that we can easily run; this action will keep our minds untangled and hearts sober.

It is a choice that we all must make; will we walk in victory or in defeat? Victory against the enemy is not dependent on our present or future circumstances. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. He is guiding us in the paths that we should go. If we believe that He has all power and holds the future in His hands, then we can rest assured that He is orchestrating the events in our lives for our good and His glory.

So, let us take up our sword which is the word of God, staying steadfast, sober-minded, and constant in prayer. God is our hope, peace, joy… our all and all. As His beloved children, we have the power to walk in His blessings of peace forever “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 

Praise God He is faithful and able to keep our minds in perfect peace!