The Mind
The brain is one of the two most valuable organs in our bodies. It could, in all fairness, be referred to as the control center of the body -- it is where things begin to happen. However, within the term "mind" there is a broader since of more than just the grey area of mass between you ears. There is a since of essence, existence, and belonging -- the space that holds such items as your character and the very essence of who you are as an individual -- what makes you, you.
A Rabbi friend of mine one told me that our bodies are a temple and that the most holy place is the heart -- the mind -- your most locked away and secret area. He told me this is where the Spirit of God dwells in all humans. In his opinion when the Bible spoke about the heart it was synonymously referring to the mind as the heart. Your inner-most being.
If we take the idea of my friend, it would certainly make since in my Christian predisposition of things in. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies" (NIV). This is in the broader context of fleeing sexual immorality. And the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (NIV). Imagine that! Your very own temple! Complete with a Most Holy Place where you and God dwell, communicate, and fellowship with one another! It is truly and exciting and terrifying thing to me; and I appreciate it tremendously more than I can express.
If this is true and we do have a Most Holy Place in the temple called our body, then it stand to figure that God has given us some insight in His Word as to the care and maintenance of this most sacred area of our beings. And He certainly has. In Philippians 4:8, Paul tell us "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" (NIV). The Bible mentions meditation specifically 21 times.* It stands to reason, then, that we take care of our minds by thinking and dwelling on the things of God.
Meditation is one way we can spend time in communion with Him and, I believe, there is a major benefit to us as well. God certainly wants us mentally sound and freeing our minds of all things and focusing on His wonderful works allows us a time and space to allow our brains and bodies to be still and silent and just exist for a moment -- enjoying our time as God's precious child and considering all of the wonderful things about Him and what He has done (Psalm 46:10). It is my hope that each of you (myself included) may experience the quiet, peaceful joy of existing in God's presence in all your days to come.
* Bible Gateway (search: Meditat)
A Rabbi friend of mine one told me that our bodies are a temple and that the most holy place is the heart -- the mind -- your most locked away and secret area. He told me this is where the Spirit of God dwells in all humans. In his opinion when the Bible spoke about the heart it was synonymously referring to the mind as the heart. Your inner-most being.
If we take the idea of my friend, it would certainly make since in my Christian predisposition of things in. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies" (NIV). This is in the broader context of fleeing sexual immorality. And the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (NIV). Imagine that! Your very own temple! Complete with a Most Holy Place where you and God dwell, communicate, and fellowship with one another! It is truly and exciting and terrifying thing to me; and I appreciate it tremendously more than I can express.
If this is true and we do have a Most Holy Place in the temple called our body, then it stand to figure that God has given us some insight in His Word as to the care and maintenance of this most sacred area of our beings. And He certainly has. In Philippians 4:8, Paul tell us "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" (NIV). The Bible mentions meditation specifically 21 times.* It stands to reason, then, that we take care of our minds by thinking and dwelling on the things of God.
Meditation is one way we can spend time in communion with Him and, I believe, there is a major benefit to us as well. God certainly wants us mentally sound and freeing our minds of all things and focusing on His wonderful works allows us a time and space to allow our brains and bodies to be still and silent and just exist for a moment -- enjoying our time as God's precious child and considering all of the wonderful things about Him and what He has done (Psalm 46:10). It is my hope that each of you (myself included) may experience the quiet, peaceful joy of existing in God's presence in all your days to come.
* Bible Gateway (search: Meditat)
A Defense for Mental and Emotional Wellness
In my personal life I have met many people who have a mental handicap and many more that have suffered emotional abuse in some for or another. It is a difficult situation for sure and there is no substitute for the professionals who specialize in such cases. If you suspect yourself or anyone you know to suffer from any of these conditions, I encourage you to, please, see a healthcare professional. I would suggest a professional Therapist, Counselor, Psychiatrist, or Psychologist. If you cannot afford these services, please see your local pastor and he (or she) will be able to point you in the right direction for help.
Below are some resources which may help and make the searching process a little easier. Seventh-day Wellness is not affiliated or connected with any of the websites listed below. This is only a list that I personally believe may be of help.
Remember, it is not weak or wrong to feel the way you do. In fact, it is normal and healthy that you are reacting to your particular situation. A healthcare professional will be able to help you express yourself in the best and most healthy way possible.
Help for Victims of Abuse:
- Your Life Your Voice
- The Safe Space
Finding a Therapist:
- Find-A-Therapist
- Network Therapy
- Psychology Today
Lifestyle Centers:
- Lifestyle Center of America
- Home for Health
- Our Daily Bread
- Hallelujah Acres Lifestyle Centers
- St. Helena Center for Health
- Eden Valley Institute
- Brent's Place
Finding a Local Church:
- For Ministry
- Local Worship
- Adventist Organizational Directory
Below are some resources which may help and make the searching process a little easier. Seventh-day Wellness is not affiliated or connected with any of the websites listed below. This is only a list that I personally believe may be of help.
Remember, it is not weak or wrong to feel the way you do. In fact, it is normal and healthy that you are reacting to your particular situation. A healthcare professional will be able to help you express yourself in the best and most healthy way possible.
Help for Victims of Abuse:
- Your Life Your Voice
- The Safe Space
Finding a Therapist:
- Find-A-Therapist
- Network Therapy
- Psychology Today
Lifestyle Centers:
- Lifestyle Center of America
- Home for Health
- Our Daily Bread
- Hallelujah Acres Lifestyle Centers
- St. Helena Center for Health
- Eden Valley Institute
- Brent's Place
Finding a Local Church:
- For Ministry
- Local Worship
- Adventist Organizational Directory