Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].
The roof of the house protects the interior against unfavorable weather conditions. The shape of the roof and the materials used to build a roof is often designed to suit the climatic conditions. The quality of the materials used to build the roof will determine its durability.
Our mind needs a resilient roof against unfavorable contemplations, ugly deliberations and ulterior motives that hit us with negativity and fear. Like a house without a roof, a mind without a durable covering will damage our heart and character. If everything that happens around us affects us, either there is damage in the roof or the quality is very poor.
Our commitment and focus on the Lord in all that we do, say and think forms a strong and sturdy roof over our thoughts, feelings and desires. The covering stops the thoughts from wandering into harmful temptations and meandering away into vain imaginations. There is an interesting instruction in the Mosaic Law about the roof. When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, so that you will not bring bloodguilt on your house if anyone falls from it (Deuteronomy 22:8). A roof without a parapet or fence is incomplete. In the Middle Eastern homes, the roofs were flat and were widely used as sleep-outs in summer. Having a parapet would protect the family or visitors from falling from the roof. Allegorically, an incomplete roof may cause harm to us and others. Unguarded thoughts are like a roof without a parapet that would lure us into disgraceful and demeaning misbehavior.
Renovate, repaint and replace the roof of your mind to be focused on sound Biblical principles.
Renewing the Mind:
1. Renovate: The way to renovate hostile and harsh thoughts is by the discipline of focusing and refocusing our thoughts on Christ Jesus. Anger and animosity will corrupt our mind with bitterness and enmity. Tear down resentment and discipline the mind to forgive and forebear.
2. Repair: A roof that is not repaired on time will cause extensive damage. “A stitch on time saves nine”. Similarly corruption in the mind starts as one ugly, filthy or unholy thought. If the damage is not fixed, it will spoil and soil the mind with ugly thought patterns.
3. Replace: Replacing hostility, animosity and enmity with God’s Word is the only way to revamp a damaged mind. Unfair treatment, childhood trauma or abuse can leave an indelible damage in our soul. The way to heal from such impairment is to replace bad memories with God’s promises.
“Healthy mind is the key to a healthy man”.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Prayer: Father God, show me areas in my mind that are leaking, damaged and dented and help me to secure the roof of my mind from repulsive thoughts. Amen.
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