Make it stop!

Psalm 46:10 N (NIV) 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The friends of distinction sang a song in 1969; the lyrics said “You’ve got me going in circles, round and around I go” Do you ever feel like you're going in circles and not making any progress? At least not the kind of progress you were expecting. Are the constant appeals of our world pulling you in a million different ways, causing you to question if you're headed in the right direction?

If you're like me, you have plans and dreams you want to fulfill. But life is confusing at times. And most days it seems like you're just surviving instead of thriving and living out those dreams or accomplishing your goals.

Here is the problem. Numerous distractions, Too many choices, Endless interruptions. There have been days I've felt like one foot was fixed to the floor, while my other foot scurried in every direction. Expending a lot of energy and mental fatigue, but going nowhere. Can you relate?

Look at the definition of distractions 1. “A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else”. 2. “extreme agitation of the mind or emotions”. When you look at the synonyms, little wonder Satan does everything he can to keep us distracted synonyms: frenzy, hysteria, mental distress, madness, insanity, mania;

I read this before I think it speaks to what goes on in our minds that causes us to be so distracted.” Your mind is like an undisciplined child running constantly and refusing to be dominated. It wants its own way. It is like a wild stallion that does not want to be tamed, bridled or ruled. It wanders wherever it wishes. It clamors for its own way. It speeds ahead to its own agenda. It refuses to be brought under control”. Doesn’t this sound familiar? God says it must be bridled. Peter urges us to “gird up the loins of your mind.” (1 Peter 1:13) Paul says, “Bring every thought into the captivity of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Let me suggest 8 steps. If you practice these you will learn to experience God in a new way and bring peace to your mind.

1. Enter into your secret chamber, your closet. Find a quiet undisturbed place. Once you are alone before God "Shut the door." Block out all distractions but God Himself.

2. Kneel or lay prostrate in the Lord's presence.

3. Make your mind a sanctuary. Make your mind stop its commotion and noise! Listen to the din of confused voices reminding you of duties, tasks and obligations. Then silence them! Your mind is not a noisy playground. It is a sanctuary. Your mind is yours. Make it obey you.

4. Slow down! “Relax” is the word for “be still” in Hebrew. Consciously loosen the tension of every muscle. It won't come naturally so work at learning to be quiet! 1 Thessalonians 4:11 “Study (force yourself) to be quiet.”

5. Set apart a significant amount of time to learn this slowing down process. Give yourself time to slow down. You cannot stop a train on a dime. It takes time to slow down to a stop give God some room to work in you.

6. Fix your eyes on Jesus - behold the beauty of the Lord. Like the angels in heaven and all creatures before the throne present yourself to God in stillness. Imagine yourself prostrate at His feet before His throne.

7. Take a few deep breaths. At first take long slow deep breaths. Hold it a few seconds. Let it out slowly. Control it!

8. Refuse to go on to the next step until the body and mind have obeyed you. If they are not subject to your will, neither will be the rest of your thoughts in prayer. If you cannot bring your own body and mind into subjection how will you wrestle with spiritual forces and win? Proverbs 24:10 "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." You mind is a sanctuary, learn to be still and experience God to the fullest.

Say this with me, “my mind is a sanctuary” one more time,” my mind is a sanctuary”, In Jesus name.