Sound Mind

S is for Sound Mind

Sometimes in writing, you share something so personal it feels like your soul is laid bare for the world to peer at. That’s how this post feels to me. If I weren’t so passionate about it and the difference it has made in my life, I would happily have chosen safe or sufficient for the letter S.

After my children were born I found myself knee deep in bottles, diapers and depression. Days that were supposed to be full of fun and joy were dreary and discouraging. I remember one night feeling totally overwhelmed and unable to take another step. Realizing I needed help, but not knowing where to turn at 9pm at night, I called my pastor.

Without a hesitation, he gave up the night with his family and came over. I wasn’t sure what he was going to say or how he could help, but I was desperate. As I listened to him, I began to feel a glimmer of hope. Grabbing a crayon, I began to scribble ferociously on the back of a piece of paper.

Those notes have been a lifeline for me over the last 15 years. I’ve learned the key to a sound mind is having a plan.  Because when you are depressed or discouraged, your mind isn’t telling you the truth and so your natural thoughts and choices devolve into a negative and unhealthy place.  Below are the notes I took as Pastor Spink talked to me that night.

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How to Have a Sound Mind

1. Scriptures
   1. Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
      Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”
   2. Prov. 16:3 “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.”
   3. 11 Tim. 1:17 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
   4. 2 Cor. 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”
   5. Phil 4:8 “ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
   6. Rom. 12:1-2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.“
   7. 1 Pet 1:13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
2. Prayer
3. Singing
   1. How Great Thou Art
   2. Great is Thy Faithfulness
   3. Any song that focuses on who God is
4. Preach to yourself
   1. Psalms 42:5 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.”
   2. Hope in God – His promises are true
5. Friends (Accountability)
   1. Prov 27:9 “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
   2. Prov 15:30 “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.”

Two natures beat within my breast,
The one is foul, the other blessed
The one I love, the one I hate
The one I feed will dominate

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Getting my mind off my problems and onto who God is, whether through music or Bible verses, has given me peace, hope and comfort. The key is choosing to practice  2 Cor. 10:5 and take every thought captive – by focusing on truth and not what I’m feeling at the moment. I’m not saying this is a cure for depression, and it is not intended to diagnose illness or replace medical advice. But, for me, the truths in God’s Word and His character give me hope in the middle of my mess.