Sound Mind in Uncertain Times
2 Timothy 1:7️
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I read this verse last week and it stuck with me. One of the things that many people are experiencing right now is a little bit of uncertainty. Change often brings that, especially changes we don’t understand or can’t control.
When I read this daily devotional, which I have referenced before, “Sparkling Gems from the Greek” by Rick Renner, this verse came up and gave me some great insight and comfort in the current climate of uncertainty.
He shares, “Paul said, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). The phrase “sound mind” is the Greek word sophronismos, which comes from the word sodzo — meaning to save or to deliver — and the word phren the Greek word for your head, your intelligence, or your brain. When you compound the two words, the word “sound mind” — sophronismos — really means a delivered head or a delivered brain. It is a mind that is set free from all inhibitions.”
Ironically enough, the next day, the news about USAID was announced.
It is crystal clear to me, after reading this and the timing of all that is going on in the world, that God wants us to have a stable mind and stable posture during uncertainty so that we can be the candle in a dark room that everyone looks to for comfort (Matthew 5:14-16).
From this thought, I want to share 3 points with you
Allow Peace to GUARD you:
Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
It seems apparent to me, reading Philippians 4:7 that peace that surpasses understanding also can work for us in a defensive manner. I have read this scripture MANY times, prayed in many others, but it wasn’t until this new understanding of a “sound mind” came up that I understood just how helpful the Peace of God can actually be! The word Guard here is from the Greek word phroureó (pronounced froo-reh'-o). It paints the picture of something that is guarded by a military force. The best part of this verse is that we don’t have to be the one to guard our peace. We just have to accept it and understand that God will guard it for us if we put our trust and faith in Jesus. I know, easier said than done, but the world is looking for certainty, we as believers can provide that measure of peace and point them to Jesus the author of it.
Allow God’s peace to transform your mind:
Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Romans 12:2 is an amazing verse that is always applicable to the way we conduct our lives. The natural world is decaying rapidly. Science tells us that between 30,000 and 40,000 skins cells die and shed each minute. Each and every minute, 30,000-40,000 cells. It’s important to understand that our mind, that is our thinking patterns, thoughts, and emotions are not immune to spiritual decay. The bible tells us plainly that the enemy comes to “steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that you may have life…” (John 10:10). Jesus makes it a point to remind us that the enemy adds a layer of temptation, pressure, and does everything he can to help what happens naturally to speed up and affect us spiritually. However, there’s a cure for us found in Romans 12:2! Renew our minds. The bible offers some hints: Think about good things (Philippians 4:8), guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), and to think about the scriptures “day and night” (Psalm 1:2). All these things aid and in fact reverse the natural and spiritually accelerated decay of our minds.
All this will ultimately aid in keeping your mind in Peace and allowing it to remain there.
Allow peace to GUIDE you:
Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
When we trust in God, we can utilize peace as a guide to direct us the right way. The bible says in Psalm 37:23 that a righteous man (or woman’s) steps are ordered by the Lord. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans of a man, but the Lord directs his steps.”
I have personally experienced this in my life on more than one occasion. I needed help in decision making, so I prayed and asked God to guide me. As I thought through and talked things through with trusted friends and advisers, or with my wife after I was married, I learned to lean into the decisions that gave me the most peace. Now that does not automatically mean that the path is clear or that it will be easy. No, but God promises to never leave us for forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) along the way.
In conclusion, when we use peace to the extent possible, as a guard, guide, and mind transformer, we will find that what was once shakey and uncertain to us has become increasingly certain and solid.