A Sound Mind
If someone asked me what I am most grateful for, my answer would be simple yet profound: having a sound mind. A sound mind is more than just being mentally present; it’s the ability to understand my actions, make rational decisions, and approach life with clarity and stability. It means my faculties are intact, my thoughts are balanced, and I can navigate life responsibly.
But it hasn’t always been this way. There were seasons in my life when my mind wasn’t clear, and I didn’t have it all together. Times when I felt unstable, hopeless, and as though life had lost its meaning. I believed the lies that whispered in my mind—the lies that told me I wasn’t enough, that I was a burden, that others would be better off without me. These lies felt so real, so overwhelming, that they nearly consumed me.
Yet, even in my darkest moments, something greater than me wouldn’t let me go. It was as though an unseen hand reached into the chaos of my mind and began pulling me back into alignment, back to my rightful place. That something was God’s truth.
What causes someone to lose hope, to feel so defeated that they want to check out on life? For me, it was a combination of external pressures and internal battles. I felt overwhelmed by circumstances, isolated in my pain, and convinced that I couldn’t endure what I was going through. The enemy of our souls loves to feed us lies—lies about our worth, our purpose, and our ability to overcome.
These lies often come from two sources:
The voices of others—people who, knowingly or unknowingly, speak negativity and doubt into our lives.
The voices in our heads—the stories we tell ourselves, are shaped by fear, insecurity, and past wounds.
The truth is, we don’t have to accept these lies. We have the power to reject them and replace them with what God says about us.
God’s Word reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” A sound mind is a gift from God, but it requires our participation. We must actively guard our thoughts and align them with His truth.
Here’s what I’ve learned about reclaiming and maintaining a sound mind:
Recognize the lies – Identify the thoughts that contradict God’s promises.
Replace them with truth – Speak life over yourself: “I am who God says I am.”
Seek support – Don’t isolate yourself. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you.
Stay grounded in God’s Word – Let His promises anchor you in times of doubt and fear.
Looking back, I see how God used those dark moments to shape me into who I am today. He didn’t let me stay in that place of despair. Instead, He reminded me of His plans for my life—plans to give me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
If you’re struggling to find clarity or peace in your mind, know that you’re not alone. God’s love is powerful enough to pull you out of any pit and set your feet on solid ground. A sound mind is not just a possibility; it’s a promise.
Today, I stand grateful for a sound mind. It’s a gift I don’t take for granted because I know what it’s like to feel lost and hopeless. If you’re reading this and feel like you’re at the end of your rope, I want to encourage you: there is hope. You are not alone. And you are exactly who God says you are—loved, valued, and chosen.
Hold on to that truth, and let it guide you back into alignment with the life God has called you to live.
