There’s a phenomenon that is popular today known as “monkey mind.” Officially, the “monkey mind” is a term that refers to being unsettled, restless, or confused; however, it is often referenced in the way your mind seems to run from one thing to another when you are trying to sleep or focus on one particular thing. Picture a monkey swinging from one tree to the next and so is the feeling when your thoughts seem to be unsettled and running from one thing to another. So, what do you do with a “monkey mind?”
Obviously, the first thing is to calm your mind but that is hard to do since the “monkey mind” wants to swing from one thing to the next. In order to stop the action, it is necessary to have a familiar thing upon which to focus or meditate, such as scripture.
Psalm 1:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
It’s no accident that centuries ago, psalmists gave us they key to overcoming “monkey mind” in his day as well as today. Meditate upon God’s word. This is exactly what is necessary to bring our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (ESV) — 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
Remember that there is a blessing in guarding your thought life and keeping it under control from falling prey to the “monkey mind.” Specifically, having the word of God memorized or so familiar through meditation upon the word that it’s a quick handle or “go to” when you feel your falling into the trap of a unsettled, restless, or confused state known as “monkey mind.”
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) — 3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Lamentations 3:21–23 (ESV) — 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
The use of God’s word is a key to breaking the trap of the “monkey mind,” but so is prayer. We even have the promise that one of the great results of prayer is not only the relief of anxiety but the keeping or guarding of our hearts and our minds.
Philippians 4:4–7 (ESV) — 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Notice then how God inspires the apostle Paul to keep going in another handle to fight the “monkey mind.”
Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
The bottom line is this: we are not left defenseless to the “monkey mind.” When you find yourself in the quandary of trying to get focused or trying to get to sleep but your mind is running in a million different ways from one thing to the next, pull out your prepared plan from God’s word and run that through your mind, considering every detail and while you are at it spend some moments in prayer and see if your mind isn’t calmed down to be focused on what you need for the time.
Ephesians 6:17–18 (ESV) — 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Isn’t it great how God’s word and prayer are important weapons in the spiritual battles of life, including one that may seem ever so benign as “the monkey mind.”
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
