Restpiration

THE MIND- WHAT REALLY GOES ON THERE?

In my previous post we saw that the mind is so powerful that it has some distortional effect on our identity and it also controls our actions. That said, it is also expedient for us to know what happens in our minds. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that we’re in a warfare. I know how this sounds. You may be thinking ‘wait a minute, I’m a nice and gentle guy. I haven’t even handled any weapon in my entire life. How then can I be in a warfare?’ Hearing another scripture like 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, which reiterates this point (of being in a warfare) might all the more compound your agitation.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in the high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; 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. (2 Corinthians 10: 4-5)

The Bible is so difficult to understand, what’s it saying?
Dear reader, the Bible means exactly what it says. In this journey of life, we’re all in a warfare. There’s no need looking around for who the enemy is. We are told from the verses above that the enemy is the devil and his demons. O yes, there is a devil and there are such things as demons. I’m not trying to be weird here, I’m just being real. Although there is the devil and his demons, we don’t have to be overly consumed with their existence. However, what we need to be mindful of are the weapons the enemy uses against us. Again, we are told in the latter verse quoted above that the weapons used against us are imaginations, knowledge and thoughts. Together, these form what we call strongholds.

Do you remember the last time you were crippled with fear because you couldn’t take your mind off the worst that might happen to you or to a loved one? Or have you ever started something that you were so passionate about but you suddenly gave up on it because you started thinking that you’ll not make it, worse still, because others told you so? If you’ve ever had these experiences, well, you’re welcome to life. These are glimpses of the impact of the warfare on our lives. It may be subtle, not what we usually expect a warfare would be but it is still what it is, a warfare.

It’s interesting to know that all the weapons of the enemy; imaginations, knowledge and thoughts are centred on the mind. Why is that so? Because the mind is the battlefield. The mind is where the battles of life are fought. It is only when we know this that we are able to focus our energies on what really matters so that instead of being victims, we can also be victors in this warfare. Now that we know this, we’re in a good position to take the fight to the enemy. The warfare is not so combative, it’s all about choosing the right thoughts to dwell on. In my next post, we’ll spend some time to consider some of the thoughts that can guarantee your victory. Until then, stay safe and enjoy life.

The Mind (Is it really that important?)

Over these past years, we have seen the popularization of the concept of the mind and its workings in all spheres of life. Today, we hear sermons about the mind in our churches; read about it in books and we are constantly bombarded with information about the mind on our various social media platforms. Teachings about the mind is one thing that that cuts across religious boundaries and other fields of human endeavour. Maybe, like me, you have been wondering what all the fuss is about. Why don’t we take some time in this article to reason if the mind and its workings is really worth all that hype.

We can never hold any discourse about the mind without referring to Proverbs 23:7, which by the way is a popular verse in the Bible. Preachers use this verse in their sermons; lawyers, doctors, counsellors, motivational speakers also use it, and so will I. If you are familiar with this verse, then you’ll know that it says something along the lines of ‘For as he (a person) thinks in his heart, so is he.’ What this verse does is that it connects our thinking, ‘thinks in his heart’ with our identity, ‘so is he’. That’s a great hacking tool of life we have here. Although we are who we are, our thinking has a way of manipulating our identity so much that we can take on a new identity and experience life in the light of that identity. In case you aren’t sure about the relationship between the Bible verse I just quoted and the mind, then you can look at it this way; thoughts are the fuel of the mind. When thinking is going on, then we can be sure that the mind is also at work. No wonder the mind is such a sought-after subject of discussion today.

There is another verse in Romans 8, I think verse 5, which says ‘For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh…’ This scripture also draws the line of relationship between our compulsive actions- what controls us- and our minds. Once we set our minds in a certain direction, we give it the authority to control our actions in that direction be it unto good or evil.
So, when we talk about the mind, we are talking about that which is able to manipulate your identity so that you experience life through the lens of your new identity. We are also talking about that which is able to literally control us so that we behave in a particular way under certain circumstances. Dear reader, don’t be put off by the endless noise about the mind out there. Instead, understand that the subtle message that they all want to communicate is that your mind wields more power than you think and it’s about time you started being mindful about your mind.

The Unlikely Cure for Loneliness

Many people are of the view that loneliness has to do with the absence of people. It is often assumed that one cannot be lonely in the presence of others. According to this line of thought, the solution to loneliness is simply more company—more friends, more conversations, more activity. However, with time, I have come to learn that loneliness isn’t just an issue of company, but of the intimacy that company offers.

I remember my days in High School vividly. It was one of those seasons in my life when friendships came easily. I met different personalities, shared laughter, engaged in lively conversations, and enjoyed the energy that comes with youthful companionship. On the surface, everything looked complete. I had people around me, and there was rarely a dull moment. Yet beneath the excitement, something remained unsettled. The moments of laughter were real, but they were often brief. Once the noise faded and I returned to myself, the feeling resurfaced. Being surrounded by people gave me bursts of excitement, but it did not address the deeper sense of loneliness that lingered within.

It was during this period that I began to reflect more seriously on what I was experiencing. I started asking myself difficult questions. “Boy! What are you missing?” I wondered why, despite having friends and social engagement, I still felt disconnected in a way I could not fully explain. In trying to make sense of this experience, I humorously labeled my condition Severe Loneliness Disorder (SLD)—just my own term to describe the strange contradiction I was living through. It seemed paradoxical to feel lonely in the midst of many relationships, yet that was exactly my reality.

Amazingly, some weeks after this introspection, things began to change. I started living one of the best seasons of my life. The shift did not come from gaining more friends or becoming more socially active. Rather, it came from discovering what I had been missing all along. The issue was not a lack of people—it was an intimacy crisis. I realized that loneliness is not merely about physical presence; it is about meaningful connection. It is about being known, understood, and emotionally anchored. Without intimacy, even the most vibrant social circles can leave a person feeling isolated. But when intimacy is present, even a small circle can provide deep fulfillment.

I find it necessary to share this with you, as a friend, because our world today presents a similar paradox. We are more connected than ever before. Social media platforms allow us to interact with thousands, sometimes even millions. Notifications, messages, and updates keep us constantly engaged. Yet, many still struggle with loneliness. This reality reveals that connection is not the same as intimacy. We may have followers, acquaintances, and frequent conversations, but still feel a sense of emotional distance.

It is often said that happiness is not in how much we have, but in how much of it we enjoy. The same applies to relationships. It is not the number of people around us that determines fulfillment, but the depth of the connection we experience. The cure to loneliness cannot be found in the number of followers on social media. Neither can it be found in the number of cars one drives nor the balance in one’s bank account. These things may provide comfort and excitement, but they do not address the deeper human need for intimacy. In this regard, we all stand on neutral ground. Regardless of status, background, or achievements, we all share the same longing for meaningful connection.

What if I told you there is actually someone who is ever ready to offer you all the intimacy you desire? Someone who is always present, who never withdraws, and who promises never to leave nor forsake you. His name is Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Unlike human relationships that may fluctuate, His presence remains constant. He understands the unspoken thoughts, the hidden struggles, and the silent longings of the heart.

If you feel lonely today, you can turn to Jesus. Speak to Him about everything on your heart. Share your thoughts, your concerns, and even your uncertainties. He responds by bringing comfort and peace into the heart. In times like these, marked by global distress and uncertainty, this intimacy becomes even more valuable. The world around us may be filled with trouble, wars, and rumors of war, but in Him there is intimacy, soul peace, and security.

Let us encourage ourselves with this truth. While we wait with eager expectation for the appearing of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we can experience His presence daily. In Him, loneliness gives way to connection, restlessness yields to peace, and isolation is replaced with enduring intimacy.

Our Heritage

At the time you read this, your mind might probably be overwhelmed by the complexity and wildness of today’s world. We are living in days where even so-called trees with no roots, at all, are striving for nourishment from the earth and supposed warriors cleave to the edge of their swords as handles during battle. Perhaps most have lost the essence of life and its simplicity to the excitement of sitting on a rocking chair at a high velocity for a wild ride nowhere.

Imagine the world as it was some decades ago, not that much sophistication. These were the days of moonlight inspired games friends back in the thickest in our rural habitations used to play. As they played, they stared in the perfect mirror of the moon’s reflection in the stream, having their minds programmed to embrace life as it unfolded in a deliberate yet fulfilling way. O that joy that came when you had to relieve an old lady from her burden just to receive the penetrating blessings of her words. The wealthy were only distinguished from the paupers by their well-polished sandals which their kids gladly shared with their counterparts who could barely afford a piece of cloth to replace their birthday suit.

Of course, we might not be able to bring back times. Change has come and we have to embrace it and adapt to it. However, the values, morals and the precepts can still exist in today’s world. Let’s hold on to the precious and inestimable traits we learnt in momma’s loving arms. Perhaps, the axe you need to bring down that giant tree of an obstacle was handed to you several years ago by momma. I was told of the times of foreign invasion; how our ancestors traded precious minerals for drinks, mirrors and the like- things that were inferior to these minerals. But are those times over? At least we’ve migrated from our minerals to our values. Growth isn’t always about changing with every change, sometimes it’s about weathering out the change. Making a difference starts with us, as a people, being different. When we throw away our difference, we throw away our relevance, impact and unique identity. Momma taught us better.

Where we belong

Julia had always loved birds, but there was one species that fascinated her beyond measure — the Spix macaws. Their striking blue feathers and rarity made them objects of deep admiration. Over time, admiration slowly turned into longing. She didn’t just want to see them; she wanted to own one.

For years, she carried that dream quietly. She imagined how wonderful it would be to wake up each morning to the sight of such beauty in her home. To her, owning one of these birds would be the ultimate expression of love and appreciation.

Eventually, Julia got the opportunity to travel to a place where these birds lived in their natural habitat. It was a dream come true. She anticipated the moment with excitement — not just to see them, but to draw closer to fulfilling her desire.

And then she saw them.

*Spix macaws (image is in public domain)*

They weren’t just beautiful — they were alive in a way she hadn’t imagined. They soared freely through the sky, gliding effortlessly from tree to tree. They interacted, explored, and existed in a rhythm that felt natural and complete. Their beauty was not just in their color, but in their freedom.

Something shifted within her.

For the first time, Julia realized that bringing one of them home would diminish the very thing she admired. The beauty she loved was inseparable from their freedom. To own one would be to remove it from where it truly belonged.

And in that moment, she let go.

She no longer desired to own one. Seeing them flourish where they belonged was far more fulfilling than possessing them. The love she felt transformed — from ownership to appreciation.

This story of Julia has stayed with me ever since I imagined it several years ago.

Because, in many ways, we do the same with people.

When we love someone, we naturally want them close. We want their presence, their companionship, their consistency. And there is nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, without realizing it, love begins to drift into ownership. We begin to hold tightly, subtly shaping their lives around our comfort.

We struggle when their paths diverge from ours. We feel uneasy when opportunities take them elsewhere. We become uncomfortable when growth leads them beyond our reach.

Yet love, in its purest form, seeks the flourishing of the other — even when that flourishing happens away from us.

Like Julia, we sometimes discover that the people we love are most beautiful when they are free — free to grow, explore, and become fully themselves. Their happiness may not always align with our preferences, but love invites us to celebrate their becoming rather than control it.

*Letting go (image is in public domain)*

This is not easy. Letting go can feel like losing. It can feel like distance, uncertainty, or even loneliness. But often, letting go is not losing — it is honoring where someone belongs.

And something remarkable happens when love matures in this way. We stop holding tightly and begin holding gently. We appreciate rather than possess. We support rather than control. We celebrate rather than confine.

Love becomes lighter, yet deeper.

The truth is, people — like those birds — were never meant to be owned. They were meant to flourish. And sometimes, loving them means stepping back and allowing them to soar.

Perhaps that is what love ultimately looks like — not keeping people where we want them, but caring enough to let them be where they belong.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful expression of love… is letting go.