Giant-sized challenges are won not with bigger biceps but with better thought management. Your mindset is your most valuable tool. It’s time to screen thoughts, interrupt thoughts, extract and replace thoughts. And I know just the fellow to help us.

God called him “a man after my own heart” in Acts 13:22. Such words were never said about Abraham or Moses. Paul was called an apostle; John was called “beloved”—but never “a man after God’s own heart.” God crowned only David with this title. Why? What was unique about this son of Jesse? A case can be made for this answer. He made this six-word motto his mantra: “The battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47).

1 Peter 5:8 ESV Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

What giant seeks to liposuction the life out of your life? Does he come in the form of a disease? Is he wearing the garb of debt? Or defeat, one put-down after another? Is it time for you to use some thought management tools?

Psalm 34:17-20 ESV When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

David resolved to shift his gaze away from the mess that surrounded him and focus on the God who sustained him. He meditated on God’s works. Maybe he made a list of miracles. Counted his blessings. Recalled God’s goodness. He took thoughts of death captive and replaced them with thoughts of life.

Negative thoughts lead to negative feelings. Thoughts of faith create feelings of hope. Be God-minded! Meditate on him.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, bring me peace when I am overwhelmed. Thank you for hearing my cries no matter where I am or what overwhelming giant I am facing. In Jesus’ name, amen.