The war in our mind Pt II 2023 (2 Cor 10 & Psalm 23)
- Cor 10:1-5 Paul recognized this as spiritual warfare and not just a disagreement.
- First, we must use the right kind of weapons. In order to fight spiritual battles, we need spiritual weapons.
- Second, these lies or thoughts have been lifted up against us.
- Third, these thoughts are lifted up against, or in contrast to, the knowledge of God.
- Fourth, we are to take all of our thoughts captive
Psalm 23:1 What is the job of shepherd? To provide and care for, to protect, to look out for.
- When those thoughts are coming against you. I feel alone, I feel unprotected, I feel uncared for.
- Respond with what is true, “The Lord is My shepherd”
I shall not be in want When the thoughts come, that you are in need, you are not going to have enough, you are going to end up starving and homeless. Speak to that lie, “I shall not be in want.”
- This is not health and wealth thinking, this is believing and declaring the promises of God.
- When we speak the promises of God like this, we not only break the strong hold of the lie, but we also speak that promise into the spiritual atmosphere around us.
- Then God can begin to move on that promise.
- But if what we are speaking/believing is the lie, the unbelief, God can’t move on that.
Verse 2 The Good Shepherd will not only lead us to green pastures, he will make us lie down and rest.
- This is an invitation to trust God’s brand of provision in the face of the lies in our head, not striving.
he leads me beside quiet waters, here water also represents refreshment. These are not troubled waters.
- If the lies are lack of provision, or stress, feeling drained, speak it and believe it. Then let Him lead you!!!
Verse 3 Here we see more clearly that we are not talking about a literal shepherd.
- The Good Shepherd is in the business of restoring souls.
- No matter what we have done in the past or have been slimmed by others. Jesus restores souls!
- When you are feeling tempted, when the voices in your head are pulling you away.
- Remind the enemy that Jesus will lead me in paths of righteousness
Verse 4 This doesn’t refer to actual death, but just it’s shadow. The word literally means death-shadow
- This darkness or shadow also does not mean the absence of the presence of God.
For you are with me In that dark place, in those dark thoughts, speak it out “Jesus is with me”
your rod and your staff, they comfort me The rod and staff are the tools of the shepherd.
- When we find comfort in the rescue and discipline of the Lord.
- We can speak these very words back to the enemy as a promise
Verse 5 We have to learn to be okay with receiving our provision and blessing with the enemy staring us down.
- Here is the best part, the enemy can’t touch what is on our table, unless we let him.
You anoint my head with oil To anoint with oil here isn’t the normal word for anointing.
- This word here is sensual rather than sacramental. It means to make luxuriant.
my cup overflows This cup refers to a wine cup. A cup overflowing with wine speaks of an abundant harvest
Verse 6 It’s the word hessed which can’t be translated into English without using several words.
- Loving kindness is how it’s often translated. This covenant loving kindness will pursue or chase us all our life.
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. This speaks of being in His presence
- Speak this when the enemy tells us we are separated from God, or that God is far off and uncaring.