Train Your Mind to Trust God at ALL Times

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These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV

In a story published Monday by Fox 21 News Colorado, the reporter said, “The Pikes Peak Ascent is right around the corner, on Saturday, Sept. 20, and for runners, it’s one of the most grueling challenges in the country: 13 miles straight up America’s Mountain, topping out above 14,000 feet. For local runner Ray Camp, preparing for this kind of climb takes more than standard half-marathon training. He’s been using some very unique workouts to get his body and mind ready for race day. “One of the big workouts is called the 3-to-1 workout,” Camp explained. “We drive up to the top, then run down three miles and back up three, down two and up two, down one and up one. It maximizes the time training at super high elevation on that terrain.” Camp also relies on uphill treadmill training to simulate the climb without the pounding impact of downhill running. “I always knew that would be a good idea to prepare for the climbing without having to drive somewhere or beat up my legs,” he said.

Of course, weather can be a wild card on Pikes Peak, with conditions changing quickly at altitude. While ideal race temperatures are between 40 and 55 degrees, Camp said he’s stopped worrying about it altogether, and for good reason. “I’ve really tried to train my mind to just say, ‘It is what it is,’ and not pay attention to the weather at all because that’s an uncontrollable factor,” Camp said. “I try to just focus on what I can control, which is my effort and my mindset.”

And, you know, when it comes to factors in life that we have no ability to change (and the world is full of them!), the Bible is very clear that we WILL encounter many troubles, tribulations, trials and challenges that are uncontrollable. Which means that we can’t always change our circumstances, but we can control our mindset in dealing with and overcoming them.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

How? By trusting in the Lord with ALL our hearts (Did you get that all part? That means completely!) and leaning not (that means never) on our own understanding—meaning we accept that we don't have to ability to comprehend the “why’s” of life but God does. In other words, at all times, in all circumstances and in all places, we are to trust that God is in control. And then in ALL our ways, acknowledging that God is (once again) in complete control (no matter how it might appear), we are to joyfully follow the path He directs us to, remembering that things might be out of our control but they are not out of God’s control.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

That means a person can train their mind to let go of any worry or anxiety about today, tomorrow, or the next day by training their mind to pray about everything (with thanksgiving) instead, thereby choosing to allow the peace of God, which surpasses ALL (see that word all again) understanding, to guard their hearts and minds through the power of Christ Jesus.

So, focus on what you can control my friend. And that’s filling your mind each and every day with the Word of God. So that when (not if) times of trouble and tribulation come, you won’t waver or worry about the outcome but will stand firm in the power and peace that only comes from a solid relationship with Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that we have no need to worry or fret when we place our trust in you. Help us to train our minds to pray about everything so that we don’t worry about anything. Lord, remind us that we are not exempt from troubles, but we are exempt from the mindset that says You aren’t able to walk us through them and to cause them to work for our good. Help us to always keep our hearts and minds set on you so that we would not be shaken. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!