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After reading the book Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth this summer with a group of wise, godly and inspiring women, I got stuck on the idea of a "sound mind" as it was explained in the study.

Adorned has an entire chapter devoted to the Greek word sophron, which essentially means "sound mind". This comes from a word in Titus 2 that is often translated "self-control", but it's so much more than that. In order to practice self-control, we must have a sound mind - or a healthy, whole, saved mind - one that is governed by the Holy Spirit instead of the whims of our emotions and circumstances.

This concept has been life-changing for me since the Lord arranged for me to lead the discussion the week this chapter came up. When I volunteered to facilitate the study, I did not look ahead to see which chapters were on the docket; I simply chose a date that worked in my schedule. As I began reading the chapters to prepare for the study, I once again stood in awe of God's grace in my life and His sense of humor.

Being of sound mind is not easy for anyone, but it has certainly never been my personal strength. I have often lamented the great struggle I've had through life to grow in self-control, or to simply feel like I have displayed this fruit of the Spirit whatsoever.

However, since becoming a mother, I've noticed how the process of sanctification is intensified. Sleepless nights filled with crying from an unsatisfied baby and instances of poor communication with well-meaning spouses are a fast track to either holiness or selfishness.

As I prepared to lead the discussion on sophron, the Lord brought to mind Romans 8, which holds my current season's life verse, one I have mulled over repeatedly as I reflect on my choices from the previous day.



I have come to know how real this is over the summer as I've begun swapping out TV shows for podcasts centered on the Gospel and Christ-glorifying music while doing housework, spending just a little more time in the Word, and choosing more often to turn first to the Lord in prayer instead of to my non-savior of a husband (wonderful as he is).

I don't always set my mind on things above, and I still have to ask the Lord and my husband (and quite a few others) for forgiveness on the regular, but I am so, so grateful for the life-giving presence of the Lord as I go throughout my day, knowing I can choose in any moment to seek first His kingdom instead of my own.

I want to be characterized by a sound mind and live at peace with God and myself under the control of the Spirit. Praise God that He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ and that we have the choice to live well and whole in Him. May you grow in self-control and be whole in your spirit and sound of mind.