The enemy wants to control our thoughts and make us afraid, but we don’t have to let the enemy control us. Instead, we can make Jesus the King in our hearts and minds. Let the Holy Spirit live inside as we protect our palace working as a guard for the Lord.

Reading today in 2 Kings 11, there was a power struggle in Judah and there was a need for some people to step up and guard the king. Ahaziah who was king Jehoram’s youngest was made king by the people of Jerusalem. He held power for a short time but was killed. His mother who was an intense Baal worshipper was named Athaliah who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. She set out to kill the whole royal family.

Jehosheba, the other daughter of King Jehoram and wife of the priest Jehoiada took the infant Joash and hid him so he would not be killed by Athaliah.  As part of the royal family, Joash was kept hidden at the temple of the Lord and guarded so he would someday be raised up to become king.  Once he was made king, Athaliah was executed (v. 16).

Joash was only seven years old when he took reign of the kingdom so Jehoiada helped the young king with the first major concern for the kingdom. Priority number one was to get things right with God in the nation so Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord, the new king, and the people (v. 17). The people responded by going to the temple of Baal and tearing it down. They smashed the altar and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars (v. 18).

The enemy we face brings chaos, unconstructive thoughts, and negative habits. Our efforts seem futile, but the burdens are lightweight rivals to the ONE true God.  Futile efforts but efforts that are a part of God’s plan are effective. So, this day with God, let us practice the daily process of guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

This day, let us guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. There is always room for improvement as a disciple to become more like Jesus. Help us to constantly grow in our faith so we can help others grow in their faith. Amen.

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Photo – Taken at Buckingham Palace about 40 years ago. I went to England on a 3-week study/travel with a group at my college.