A Messy Mentality

In his book Heal Your Hurting Mind, Author and Pastor Craig Groeschel references Romans 8:5-6, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” And then he adds, “If you find yourself in a mentally messy place, not experiencing the perfect peace that God desires for you, could it be that your mind is set on what your flesh (or sinful nature) desires? Is it possible you’re letting negative thinking control your mind instead of the Spirit of God?”

Or perhaps you are feeling like Elijah in a cave of despair. The Bible says, “There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9). Christians are not exempt from a messy mentality or seasons of despair. The devil loves to seize on our vulnerabilities, use our circumstances, and attack our minds and emotions with lies, anxieties, and distorted truth. Though Christians are redeemed eternally, they still fight against their broken sinful nature which may include the need for biblical counseling and even appropriate medication, among other things.

Some of the greatest biblical characters faced these same kinds of battles… like David who wrote, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13 NASB) Or Elijah who, “… sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”” (1 Kings 19:4, ESV)

In Elijah’s case, the Lord replenished him with food and told him to get some sleep. But this was only just the beginning, for God wanted to do a greater work in his life. He wanted to fill his spiritual tank, too. So, God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?” We know that this question wasn’t about geography. After all, God is the one who sent him there.

No, the question concerned Elijah’s spiritual condition. God had a specific purpose in mind for these 40 days and nights with Elijah. There are at least three things it appears that God was trying to accomplish with Elijah. First God wanted to reestablish Spiritual Conversation. Elijah poured out his heart to the Lord: his faithfulness, his frustration, and even his self-pity. We see this pity when Elijah says that he is the only one left. God listened. Sometimes, God gets you into a cave so that every other voice will be quiet and you’ll finally talk with him honestly.

Second most assuredly God wanted Spiritual Restoration for Elijah’s soul and ministry. Again, God listened, but he also gave Elijah the truth he needed to hear: “Go, return on your way…” This means it was time to get back on the path. By correcting his perspective and renewing his mission, God restored Elijah.

Third, God brought Spiritual Reorganization into Elijah’s life. God changed how Elijah would serve him. He instructed him to anoint a new king, and he sent Elisha to assist him in the work. This was a needed refreshment because it meant that Elijah no longer had to carry the load of ministry alone.

So, if you are in a “cave of despair” or dealing with a “messy mind” let it become an opportunity and the very place God uses to restore, refresh, and reorient your life. So don’t despair! And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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