Meditate, then Declare

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. (Psalm 118:17)

The enemy’s first attack will always be in your thoughts. Let’s say something life-threatening happens to you or someone you love. The first thing the enemy plants is the idea that “they have to die” or “you have to die.” When that thought comes, you need to decide to throw it down and vocally and purposely speak and think about what the Word says.

See, Biblical meditation is entirely different than Eastern meditation. All those people with their legs crossed trying to achieve “enlightenment" is not God’s way of meditating. Eastern meditation says to clear your mind of all thoughts. God's meditation says to fill your mind with God’s thoughts. When you fill your mind with the Word, the other thoughts don't have any place to stay. You cannot control what thoughts come, but you can control what you will continue thinking about. A thought that is not spoken or acted upon will die.

The Bible tells us that we have the authority to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. (Mark 16:18) So when sickness arises, will you allow yourself to meditate on the medical diagnosis, the symptoms, the problem, the possible worst-case scenario? Or will you live like a follower of God called to carry God’s life-giving power wherever you go? When fear of sickness or death arises, declare, “I shall live and not die!” Speak life over yourself and those around you.

Practical Application

Today, after you read God’s Word, meditate on it, mutter it, and think about what it means. It’s through the mediation of God’s Word that the words of our mouths and the actions of our hearts become incredibly powerful.

Habakkuk 1:12; Psalm 73:28

Winning in the Mind

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (Romans 7:14-21)

Not every thought comes from God, and not every thought comes from the devil. Some thoughts arise from our natural five senses—what we see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. Even the most mature saints have thoughts that come into their minds that are not godly (that doesn’t mean you have to continue to think about them). Paul taught in Romans 7 that our flesh can be weak, so our spirit must remain strong. Thoughts can also come from our spirit—our born-again nature. These thoughts align with God’s Word and are guided by the Holy Spirit.

The enemy wants to attack your mind. I have often met new believers who ask if they are saved. The enemy attacks their minds with doubt and disbelief, saying things like, “If you were saved, you wouldn’t think this way” or “You wouldn't do this thing.” Salvation is based on the truth of God’s Word, not feelings.

Living in victory over our flesh is not achieved through solid willpower but by walking in the Spirit. When walking in the Spirit, we do not fulfill the lust of the flesh because we meditate on God’s Word and throw out the enemy's ideas.

Practical Application

When the enemy tries to make you doubt your salvation or any of God's promises, stand firm on the truth of God’s Word and declare it out loud. Salvation is not based on how you feel in the moment but on your faith in God’s Word and Christ’s sacrifice.

Galatians 5:16; John 6:63

Our Helmet and Sword

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:17-18)

The Word is a dangerous and powerful weapon. Every time the enemy heard the Word spoken, he backed off. In the spiritual realm, the Word of God is a sword that pierces and cuts through the enemy's lies and any of his plans. Satan cannot stand against God’s truth. That’s why knowing the Word and speaking it out when we face spiritual battles is essential. The Bible tells us that when Jesus returns at the end of the age, He will defeat the armies against Israel with the sword of His mouth. (Revelation 19:15)

Interestingly, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit are connected in Ephesians 6:17 as well. The helmet is what protects our mind from the attacks of the enemy. If you are not protecting your mind and being proactive about what thoughts you allow to stay, the enemy will take you out before you can use your sword. The enemy’s strategy is to introduce thoughts and temptations into our minds, hoping we’ll continue to “chew on” them by meditating on them until they take root in our hearts.

But Scripture teaches us not to entertain or play with ungodly thoughts. Instead, swing your sword of the Spirit by declaring what the Word says about you and your situation. Speak the Word, proclaim God’s truth, and remember that declaring God's Word is like swinging a sword against the enemy.

Practical Application

The Word of God is our sword—learn to use it well. Make Scripture memorization a regular part of your life so that you can immediately respond with God’s truth when challenges arise. Whether it is fear, temptation, or doubt, the Word can silence the enemy and shift your perspective to God’s promises.

1 Thessalonians 5:8; Hebrews 4:12