“Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the outflowings of life.” Proverbs 4:23

If one would keep track of their thoughts during any giving day, they would view an entire spectrum of things from bills that need to be paid, the state of the government, what to eat, and a whole host of many other things.

The mind is a constantly changing thing and with its complexity it is at times a maze of ever-changing tangents that occupy it.

There are as many chambers and areas in it that would fill a thousand libraries. The human mind is more complex than any computer that has ever been built and is something deeply profound in how it works.

But as one believes with their heart, then the mind would seemingly follow what the heart is set upon. But does one reign-in an ever-changing mechanism that is deeper than the deepest ocean?

When making an important decision, there is always a clash between the heart and the mind. T he heart is driven by our emotions, instincts, and desires, and it often pulls us in one direction, while the mind, guided by logic, reasoning, and analysis, urges us to follow a different path.

It can be a real balancing act as these two powerful forces sometimes battle it out when trying to make an important decision.

The heart represents our emotions, passions, and intuition. It yearns for authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and personal fulfillment.

It is the voice that guides us to pursue our dreams, follow our passions, and take risks. Listening to our heart can lead to a sense of purpose and a life aligned with our true desires.

In contrast, the mind operates on logic, analysis, and rationality. It aims to evaluate situations objectively, considering facts, data, and past experiences.

The mind seeks to minimize risks, maximize benefits, and make decisions based on logical reasoning. It provides a sense of stability and security in decision-making processes.

The heart and mind often find themselves at odds when it comes to decision-making. The heart might push us to take a leap of faith, while the mind hesitates, questioning the feasibility and potential risks.

In contrast, the mind may urge caution and practicality, while the heart yearns for passion and adventure. This inner conflict can lead to indecisiveness, doubt, and missed opportunities.

Instead of seeing the heart and mind as opposing forces, we can strive for integration. By working with the strengths of both, one can make decisions that are both emotionally fulfilling and logically sound.

Cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness allows us to recognize the signals from our heart and listen to its wisdom while also engaging our analytical mind to evaluate potential outcomes and risks.

Even with the best intentions, decision-making can sometimes lead to undesirable outcomes. When faced with the consequences of a decision that didn’t go as planned, it’s crucial to learn from the experience.

Embrace the opportunity for growth, reflect on the factors that influenced the decision, and go over your approach again.

By integrating the lessons learned, future decisions can be more informed and balanced.

The battle between the heart and mind is a constant dance in our lives. Rather than viewing them as opposing forces, we can embrace the harmony that comes from integrating their wisdom.

We are told that we are to take every thought captive into the obedience of Christ. But this of course is a constant struggle and it isn’t something that happens once and for all.

It goes on and one every day, and every minute and hour. It’s a matter of being transformed and yet one cannot be transformed if their thoughts are scattered over a thousand different things.

We live in a world of constant sensations and noises and images. They bombard us on every side vying for our attention.

We hear the sounds of a long forgotten song and we are propelled back to a previous time and place.

Something on the news grabs our attention and suddenly our emotions rise-up in anger or sorrow. Every minute of every day our thoughts are ever-changing.

So, what is to be done with the seemingly hopelessness of an endless array of thoughts? Find your place amidst the noise and confusion and seek those things that are above.

Remember the reminder to: If one is like a tree planted by the river then that tree would prosper because it would be drawing sustenance from that life-giving stream.

The catastrophes and constant barrage of bad news, confusion, and deceit would be replaced by those things that are pure, lovely, virtuous and just. It sounds perhaps too simple and of course it is easier to say than do.

I must be true and say that my mind wanders and I recognize it. It takes a constant reminder and I’m not always aware until

I’ve gone down the road for miles before I have to rein-in a rolling away train.

But it would seem that with what we believe with our hearts to be true that our minds would then follow.

The heart would say to the mind: “Come this way, because it is good and I know it to be true.” And yet the mind hears the words and then finally gives in seeing the fruitfulness of the advice perhaps or perhaps not.

It also must be said that our hearts can be deceived, for we must know that one’s heart can be caught-up in different emotions and be carried away by sorrow or anger or hurt.

It’s a transforming process that one goes through.

Some have called this all the process of sanctification and yet it isn’t something that one musters-up on their own.

It can only happen through the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He is the One that changes us in our hearts and minds.

If indeed then we attempted to do these things all on our own, then we wouldn’t need Him now would we?

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

---

Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to The LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?
Stephen is a full-time Artist of original architectural, landscape, portrait, still-life and spiritual oil paintings, available at StephenHansonArtist.com

Back to Top