Thoughts Are Like Arrows | Safeguarding the Citadel of Our Minds

Thoughts are like arrows, radiating outward from inside the heart.
Safeguarding the citadel of our minds is the only way to prevent relationship sabotage.

Our thoughts have the ability to penetrate the hearts of those around us like arrows released from a powerful bow.

And once they catapult from a taut string, there’s no taking them back without leaving a scar.

You’ve got them. I’ve got them. The scars of arrows shot from thoughtless human bows.

There’s probably a closet somewhere in every heart that wants to collect those arrows. Perhaps we hold them up to the light, struggling to make sense of the insensible. They shape our reality, causing us to flinch from certain situations where we’ve been caught in the crosshairs before.

After awhile, perhaps the arrows become relics;

like arrowheads hoarded in a schoolboy’s dresser drawer. They slowly chip off, scattering debris when brought out and handled. And then, put back, they fester some more. Every time you open that drawer, you’re reminded of the pain of the original arrows. While discarding your stash would prevent the constant pricking and chipping, you can’t quite pull the bottom out.

Because pulling the bottom out from under that stash of arrowheads?

That would mean letting go. We’d have to clean out the drawer, vacuum all the chips and hard grit, and haul them to the trash heap of forgetfulness.

And then?

Then we’d have a new mind! A clean heart. A fresh start.

Let’s stop here and focus on keeping that heart squeaky clean. Because, friends, that doesn’t happen automatically after applying Mr. Clean to our minds. I’ve never yet discovered a self-cleaning house, as much as I detest continually chasing dust bunnies. Therefore, get ready for some hard work keeping that closet or drawer fresh and tidy where you got used to keeping those arrows and arrowheads.

How to prevent thoughts like arrows.

Here’s a checklist of daily “tasks” to help clean and safeguard the citadel of your mind:

1. Safeguarding the Mind:
   • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
   • Cultivate a mindset rooted in truth, purity, and positivity.
   • Guard against negative and/or harmful thoughts.
2. Renewing the Mind:
   • “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
   • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)
   • Renew your mind continually through prayer, meditation, and immersion in God’s Word.
   • Constantly align and realign your thoughts with God’s purposes.
3. Practicing Gratitude:
   • “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
   • Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness, every day, all day.
   • Recognize God’s goodness in all aspects of life, thus fortifying your mind against negativity.
4. Speaking Life:
   • “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)
   • “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
   • Only and always speak words of encouragement, kindness, and affirmation.
   • Channel the power of language to uplift and inspire others.
5. Seeking Wisdom:
   • “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
   • “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
   • Pursue wisdom through daily fervent prayer.
   • Seek God’s guidance in your every thought and action.

Safeguarding the Citadel

The mind is the citadel of the soul. Guarding the ramparts of the mind will protect the soul from vicious attack from the foe of your soul.

Be the warrior who successfully defends the fortress of your mind.