Mind Games #2

MINDGAMES #2

Winning the War in Your Mind

“Life moves in the direction of our strongest thoughts” – Craig Groeschel

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,

• Our perspectives and perceptions directly affect each other

WHAT IS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE RIGHT NOW?

Cognitive bias – a mistake in reasoning based on personal experiences or preferences.

1. WE CAN’T CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS.

2. I CAN CONTROL HOW I PERCIEVE WHAT IS HAPPENING.

3. I CAN FIND THE GOOD IN WHATEVER SITUATION GOD IS ALLOWING IN MY LIFE.

Cognitive reframing – creating a different way of looking at a situation or relationship by changing the meaning assigned to it.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

• Stay calm
• Assess the situation correctly
• Identify your default downer thoughts

John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

• Ask God to reframe what you are going through.

Phil 1:12-13 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

Phil 1:14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Phil 4:10-13 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1. Thank God for what didn’t happen.

2. Look for his goodness in the things you weren’t expecting.

• Don’t determine God’s goodness through the lens of your circumstances; look at your circumstances through the lens of the goodness of God.

3. Let Jesus reframe your life.