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Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”  @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2024/08/12/the-heart-mind-connection/

The Heart-Mind Connection

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Beth Andrews

The mind and heart are inextricably linked in the human psyche.

The heart as Scripture portrays it is the seat of thinking and understanding. It is where we find motivation based on reason and conscious thought and it is the root of our emotional nature.

When Moses gave his final address to the people of Israel, he knew their tendency to fearfulness, he said, “You may say to yourself, ‘these nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?’ But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:17). The phrase “You may say to yourself,” is the best expression for understanding the heart.

The heart is the place where we talk to ourselves; where we encourage, or for many of us discourage ourselves. You’ve had those conversations many times. “Come on, you can do this!” “What am I thinking? I can’t pull this off!” “Wow – I did it! I really did it!” “Oh no, I messed it up! Why can’t I do anything right?”

No wonder Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Likewise, the Greek word, Dianoia, is speaking of the mind, the part of the inner person that thinks and processes information for the purpose of making judgments and decisions. If the heart is where we find motivation based on reason and conscious thought, the mind is where we decide what we will do with that motivation.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this word, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Paul was both warning believers not to let themselves be turned into a copy of the world and counseling them to retrain their minds so they could make decisions based on their knowledge of what is good in the Lord’s sight, what pleases God, and what agrees with His perfect plan.

So, it’s easy to see why Paul included protection for our hearts – the Breastplate of Righteousness – and our minds – The Helmet of Salvation – in the Armor of God. The righteousness of Christ and the assurance of our salvation in Him cover the two most vital parts of who we are.

Beloved, there is a battle for your heart and mind. Be sure you are suited up well.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…