Mind Therapy

Let’s pray…

Philippians 2:5 – Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Today, we shall be look at having a healthy mind. We all know our mind is the seat of intelligence that governs us intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Our mind is where our thought-process occur, and I believe we know a related saying: “repeated thoughts form an action, repeated actions form a habit, repeated habits form a character which eventually leads to your destiny for either Life or Death.” In our study today we will be focusing on three areas that can help us have a healthy mind.

  1. Practical activities;
  2. Solutions to depression, anxiety and stress and;
  3. Character development.

      The Practical activities we can adopt to have a healthy mind is the NEWSTART program, which is an acronym for Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Air, Rest, Trust in God. Let’s analyze this program:

  1. #Nutrition: A proper and balanced food, invigorates the mind for mental activity but an improper diet clouds the senses of the mind. In Genesis 2:19 – And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought [them] unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that [was] the name thereof. 

QUESTION:  

  1. Did God know the names of the animals before He brought them to Adam? YES!
  2. So why bring the animals to Adam, why didn’t He just name them by Himself? God created man in His own image. This act was a test of perfection on the mind of Adam whether it was in sync with that of his Maker, and it truly was[…and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that [was] the name thereof.].
  3. Should our mind be renewed in similitude to the perfect mind Adam had? Yes,{…be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.(Rom. 12:1)}
  4. Is God driving His people back to the original plan at Eden on earth? Yes{ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.(Matt. 5:48)} so God wants us to be perfect on earth as He is perfect in heaven. Glory to God.
  5. Knowing that God is driving His end time people to His ideal plan before Adam sinned, let’s study the activities that God put in place before Adam’s Fall in relation to diet, What did Adam eat? Gen. 1:29 – And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. A Plant-based diet was man original plan of Nutrition.

— The moral evils of a flesh diet are not less marked than are the physical ills. Flesh food is injurious to health, and whatever affects the body has a corresponding effect on the mind and the soul. Think of the cruelty to animals that meat eating involves, and its effect on those who inflict and those who behold it. How it destroys the tenderness with which we should regard these creatures of God!{CD383.2}(1905)M.H.315

  • Do you know God is particularly concerned about our health? Yes, 3 John 1:2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

If we desire a healthy mind then we shall eat healthfully because “we are what we eat”.      Hippocrates states: “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”.

  • #Exercise: 1 Tim. 4:8 – For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
    For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come(1 Tim. 4:8 NIV).

—I was shown that love of the world has to a great extent shut Jesus from the church. God calls for a change–a surrender of all to him. Unless the mind is educated to dwell upon religious themes, and is trained to be exercised in these things, it will be weak and feeble in this direction. It will be strong while engaged in worldly enterprises, for in this direction it has been cultivated, and has strengthened with exercise. Why it is so difficult for men and women to live religious lives is, because they do not exercise the mind unto godliness. It is trained to run in an opposite direction. Unless the mind is constantly exercised in obtaining spiritual knowledge and in seeking to understand the mystery of godliness, it is incapable of appreciating eternal things, because it has no experience in that direction. This is the reason why religion, by nearly all is considered up-hill business.  {PH098 11.2}

As we grow our spiritual muscle by exercising our faith we also ought to grow physically by exercise.

—The human body may be compared to nicely adjusted machinery, which needs care to keep it in running order. One part should not be subjected to constant wear and pressure, while another part is rusting from inaction. While the mind is taxed, the muscles also should have their proportion of exercise. Every young person should learn how many hours may be spent in study, and how much time should be given to physical exercise.– S. of T., 1886, No. 33.  {HL 127.1} 

—When useful labor is combined with study, there is no need of gymnastic exercises; and much more benefit is derived from work performed in the open air than from indoor exercise. The farmer and the mechanic each have physical exercise; yet the farmer is much the healthier of the two, for nothing short of the invigorating air and sunshine will fully meet the wants of the system. The former finds in his labor all the movements that were ever practised in the gymnasium. And his movement room is the open fields; the canopy of heaven is its roof, the solid earth is its floor.– S. of T., 1886, No. 33.  {HL 128.3}

QUESTION: Is exercise sport? No, — Teachers are troubled as they consider the influence of these sports both on the student’s progress in school and on his success in afterlife. The games that occupy so much of his time are diverting the mind from study. They are not helping to prepare the youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their influence does not tend toward refinement, generosity, or real manliness.  {Ed 210.2} 

     Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a power to demoralize that is appalling.  {Ed 210.3} 

     Other athletic games, though not so brutalizing, are scarcely less objectionable because of the excess to which they are carried. They stimulate the love of pleasure and excitement, thus fostering a distaste for useful labor, a disposition to shun practical duties and responsibilities. They tend to destroy a relish for life’s sober realities and its tranquil enjoyments. Thus the door is opened to dissipation and lawlessness, with their terrible results.  {Ed 210.4} 

  • #Water: Rev. 22:1 – And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb

— 647. Thousands have died for want of pure water and pure air, who might have lived. . . . These blessings they need in order to become well. If they would become enlightened, and let medicine alone, and accustom themselves to outdoor exercise, and to air in their houses, summer and winter, and use soft water for drinking and bathing purposes, they would be comparatively well and happy instead of dragging out a miserable existence.–H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 56.  {HL 155.5}

  • #Sunlight:  — 978. This is one of nature’s most healing agents. –T., V. II, p. 527.  {HL 229.1} 

 979. If you would have your homes sweet and inviting, make them bright with air and sunshine, remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colors of your carpets. –T., V. II, p. 527.  {HL 229.2} 

 980. If the windows were freed from blinds and heavy curtains, and the air and sun permitted to enter freely the darkened rooms, there would be seen a change for the better in the mental and physical health of the children. The pure air would have an invigorating influence upon them, and the sun that carries healing in its beams would soothe and cheer, and make them happy, joyous, and healthy.– H. R.  {HL 229.3}

  • #Temperance: Gal. 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law

302. In order to preserve health, temperance in all things is necessary,–temperance in labor,

temperance in eating and drinking.–H. to L., Chap. I, p. 57.  {HL 68.6} 

  • #Air: —The health of the entire system depends upon the healthy action of the respiratory organs.–H. to L., Chap. 6, p. 57.  {HL 171.1} 

705. In order to have good blood, we must breathe well.–H. R.  {HL 171.2} 

706. The lungs, in order to be healthy, must have pure air.–H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 63.  {HL 171.3}  

707. Your lungs, deprived of air, will be like a hungry person deprived of food. Indeed, we can live longer without food than without air, which is the food that God has provided for the lungs.–T., V. II, p. 533.  {HL 171.4} 

  708. The strength of the system is, in a great degree, dependent upon the amount of pure, fresh air breathed. If the lungs are restricted, the quantity of oxygen received into them is also limited, the blood becomes vitiated, and disease follows.–H. R.

  • #Rest: Psa. 37:7 – Rest in the LORD,…  

304. Nature will restore their vigor and strength in their sleeping hours, if her laws are not violated. –S. A., p. 62.  {HL 69.1} 

— I know from the testimonies given me from time to time for brain workers, that sleep is worth far more before than after midnight. Two hours’ good sleep before twelve o’clock is worth more than four hours after twelve o’clock. . . .  {7MR 224.3} 

  • #Trust in God: Pro. 3:5-8 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.[6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.[7] Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.[8] It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Now, we move over to manage depression, anxiety and stress. This is a common problem in a school environment with the activities and classes and demands from lecturers.

So how do we remedy the stress-depression problem? Some use the medications, which has its limitations, having its recovery rate at about 20-28%, which is low and may also cause addictions. But, Practical steps to lifestyle changes for the better has proven effective and helpful. In dealing with the solution to depression, stress and anxiety we cannot fail to speak on our emotional intelligence(EQ).

  1. Have you heard of EQ(Emotional Quotient)?___________{Emotional intelligence or EQ is knowing and understanding your emotions and the emotions of others and responding in a healthy and helpful way.}
  2. Do you know that our EQ contributes more to our success and happiness than our IQ?
  3. Do you know that the higher our EQ is, the less depressed and anxious we become?
  4. How do I know I have a high EQ?

Factors that contribute to a high EQ:

  • Knowing and identifying your emotions
  • Manage your emotions [you can ask yourself the question WHY DO I FEEL THIS WAY?(and if you blame just what someone did to you or what happened to you, then your EQ in low. In other words, we should check our role in the situation.) What we think about any situation plays on our emotions and behavior. Our thoughts plays on our emotions. Emotional intelligent people know how to discipline their thoughts and manage their emotions, while people of low emotional intelligence are managed by their emotions, and note: both have strong emotions, none are emotionless].
  • Recognizes emotions in others
  • Manages relationships with others(Social relation)
  • Motivate themselves to achieve a goal(Utilizing the positive emotions).

5. So what majorly affect our EQ?

  • Thoughts
  • Beliefs
  • How we evaluate things
  • Genetics
  • Nutrition
  • Sleep

Above all stated the THOUGHTS has a huge influence on our EQ (Pro.23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he:…)

  • So what constitutes our Thoughts? Lam. 3:51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart… [What we feed it through our senses(Eyes, ear, mouth, nose.)]

Therefore our state of being has to do with our state of mind which constitute on what we feed it, through our senses.

  • So, How do we solve the stress-depression problem? We Change our thoughts and the way we evaluate things.
  • How do we do this? By changing what we feed our mind on [what we behold with our eyes, hear with our ear, take in through our mouth and into our nose, all this contribute to the state of the mind].

MUSIC

— Satan knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind so that Christ is not desired. . . . Frivolous songs and the popular sheet music of the day seem congenial to their taste. The instruments of music have taken time which should have been devoted to prayer. Music, when not abused, is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use, it is a terrible curse. It excites, but does not impart that strength and courage which the Christian can find only at the throne of grace. . . . Satan is leading the young captive. . . . He is a skillful charmer, luring them on to perdition.  {FLB 242.4}

— A view of one such company was presented to me, where were assembled those who profess to believe the truth. One was seated at the instrument of music, and such songs were poured forth as made the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was coarse laughter, there was abundance of enthusiasm, and a kind of inspiration; but the joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This is an enthusiasm and infatuation of which all who love God will be ashamed. It prepares the participants for unholy thought and action. {Voice in Speech and Song 418.4}

MOVIES 

— Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes, deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement.{CCh 164.1}

— Rom. 1:32 — Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

  • Then, what do we feed our minds on? Our minds most definitely cannot be idle? “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Beholding Christ means studying His life as given in His Word. We are to dig for truth as for hidden treasure. We are to fix our eyes upon Christ. When we take Him as our personal Saviour, this gives us boldness to approach the throne of grace. By beholding we become changed, morally assimilated to the One who is perfect in character. By receiving His imputed righteousness, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we become like Him. The image of Christ is cherished, and it captivates the whole being. {AG 96.4} BEHOLD CHRIST.

— A truly converted Christian mind that beholds Christ can never be Depressed or anxious

[Philippians 4:6 — Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7]And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.]

[Psalm 19:8 — The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes.]. Beholding Christ enable us to keep His commandment and  have victory over our sins. 

Having gotten the assurance, we then ask ourselves how can my mind contribute to my Character development? How does the state of my mind determine my destiny? Will God admit just an impure thought to heaven when he comes? Can I dwell on impure thoughts and yet associate with pure angels? Do what I watch affect my mind and on a long-run my character? Does watching movies exercises my cognition or does it sterilize my mind? Can I taint my mind by the music I hear? Is my mind affected by what I eat? Is the devil aware of this? Can he use this knowledge to my ruin?

Let’s contemplate on this thought questions and be honest with ourselves?

…Satan knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind so that Christ is not desired. The spiritual longings of the soul for divine knowledge, for a growth in grace, are wanting.  {VSS 419.1}

2 Cor. 10:5 – Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

God help us that our mind will be charm by Christ’s spotless life and character by cutting off practices that pollutes our mind. Amen.

Let’s pray…