The power of the mind
By Egoeh Seth Gogo

Greetings to you in the name of Christ! Today, I bring you again good news from the Holy Bible. I shall be looking at the power of the human mind – that invisible part of the human being.

Introduction

The www.thefreedictionary.com defines the mind as “the human consciousness that originates in the brain and is manifested especially in thought, perception, emotion, will, memory, and imagination.” The mind is also described as the faculty of thinking, reasoning and applying knowledge. The mind becomes a platform for what we see. In computing the mind can be likened to the WYSIWYG (What You See IS What You Get).

In our own sight

The main scripture is taken from the book of Numbers 13:33:

“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

Now, this is a popular story to most people. Twelve (12) spies were sent to verify the land of Canaan and they did. Ten (10) of them came and reported that it is not possible to conquer the land, because of the sons of Anak, who are by nature giant people. This report by them has discouraged the children of Israel to the extent that they murmured against Moses and Aaron their leaders (Numbers 14:1-2).

However, contrary to what those 10 of the 12 spies see, Joshua and Caleb see a different picture altogether. This is how the Bible puts it:

“If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.”
Numbers 14:8-9

Now, as it can be seen, Joshua and Caleb see the situation differently. They see their enemies as bread, whiles the rest see themselves us grasshoppers. Instead of focusing on the LORD, they (the 10) were focusing on their strength. That’s the difference between the two groups.

This particular story about the 12 spies has been used by most successful organisations. One favourite quote of mine is by John Milton (the author of Paradise Lost, Paradise Regain). He said “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.” While Joshua and Caleb see the situation as a platform for God to demonstrate His enormous power as the Inscrutable, Creator, Governor of the whole universe, the others do not see it like that because they know that in their own strengths they can’t conquer the children of Anak.

So, what’s the point? It is said that “half the battle is often won in the mind”. And this is very true when Robertson Davies states that “the eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” How do you see your problems? Do you see your problems as challenges or what? Do you see your problems as platform for God to demonstrate His power and love to you?

Conclusion

In conclusion, I think we should all start thinking positively. Thinking positively can become much easier for us if we put our total faith in Christ – knowing that all power belongs to Him. Rely on the Holy Spirit to nurture your faith in Christ, and don’t forget “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Finally, let me leave you with this final quote to ponder upon.

“Whatever you hold in your mind will tend to occur in your life. If you continue to believe as you have always believed, you will continue to act as you have always acted. If you continue to act as you have always acted, you will continue to get what you have always gotten. If you want different results in your life or your work, all you have to do is change your mind.” – Unknown

Stay blessed and alive for Jesus Christ!