Your Mind Matters
3But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3

Text: Psalm 3
From a human perspective, King David was in a world of hurt. He had fled from his palace in Jerusalem for fear of being killed by his own son. He indicates in verse 6 that "thousands of people" have set themselves against him. The predicament in which David finds himself is largely a result of his own sin and neglect. But David turns to God for help! He pens Psalm 3!

• The reality of what he sees with his eyes is overwhelming (verses 1-2).
• But David doesn't allow his mind to be overcome by fear. Instead, he turns his mind to God's power and sovereignty (verse 3).
• He cries out to God (verse 4).
• He sleeps through the night (verse 5).
• He is not afraid (verse 6).
• He believes that salvation belongs to the Lord (verse 8).

Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

The Biblical word "heart" is your steering wheel.  Your "heart" is primarily directed by your mind, although your emotions and will contribute to your choices, actions, and reactions. Your behavior isn’t caused by the situations and relationships outside of you. "Your experiences influence, but do not determine, your behavior. Your behavior is shaped and caused by how your heart reacts to and interacts with the situations and relationships that are outside of you" (Paul Tripp).

Fear can quickly overtake our minds and emotions, which usually decimates our will. Deliverance from fear, anxiety, and worry is a result of faith in God, which is the very opposite of unbelief. 

I quote this verse often--"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Memorize this little verse! Write it down and put it in a place where you'll see it every morning! Because here is the deal—If you are going to have victory over fear and anxiety, you must saturate yourself with God's Word. His promises must fill your mind. Preaching, daily time with God, Scripture memory, your community of believers—these are some of the primary avenues God uses to enable you to hide His Word in your heart.

Romans 12:2 reveals God's path for a life that will not be controlled by anxieties and a run-away mind. 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

God never says His will is always fun, easy, or comfortable but He does say it is good, pleasing, and perfect. In His perfect will, we find rest—even when our life seems to be spiraling out of control!