Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind, is Joyce Meyer's follow-up to her 1995 book, Battlefield of the Mind. The principles to overcome negative thinking from her first book are taken to the next level in Power Thoughts.
In the introduction, Joyce writes, "In 1995, I wrote Battlefield of the Mind, which is based on the fact that the biggest problems we face in life often result from wrong thinking ... many people have come to understand that guarding our minds is critically important and have learned to develop healthy thought patterns. In the years since that book was released, I've had more experience observing how my own thoughts affect my life, as well as how powerful thoughts are in the lives of people I minister to, and I am more convinced than ever that the mind is the battlefield. It is the battlefield on which we wage war not only with our enemy and God's enemy, the devil, over our personal lives and destinies, but also with the worldviews and concepts or ideas that threaten to deceive us. It is the battlefield on which we make the decisions that lead to frustration and defeat or to strength, health, joy, peace and abundance."
Whereas Battlefield of the Mind was written to just dive in and read, the intention is different for Power Thoughts. Although you certainly could simply read the book, it is meant to be more of a handbook and workbook. Joyce encourages readers to use the book, not just race through it to grab the main points. Power Thoughts contains two sections.
Section One - Basic Principles
Joyce begins by detailing basic principles such as maintaining a positive attitude (and the rules for keeping one), positive thinking, purposeful thinking, improper thinking and more. These principles may be new to some readers, but for others it is a worthwhile review.
Section Two - 12 Power Thought Principles
Each of these 12 chapters is a distinct strategy or "power thought." Each concept is discussed in detail with supporting Scripture verses. There's no need to study these concepts in order, as you may feel that some of them are more immediately helpful than others. Some of the power thoughts are:
- I will not live in fear
- I am difficult to offend
- I trust God completely; There is no need to worry
- I am content and emotionally stable
- I pursue peace with God, myself, and others
- I am disciplined and self-controlled
Ways to Use Power Thoughts
After working through Section One, Joyce suggests a 12-week (or perhaps a 12-month) plan to focus on one of the 12 power thoughts each week/month. She encourages highlighting passages that apply to your life, making notes, reflecting on particular points or passages, and perhaps taking time to journal.
Features of Power Thoughts
"Think About It" Questions -- These are pondering points and writing prompts, intended to help you make greater progress than if you were only reading the material.
"Power Pack" - A Power Pack is a "group of Scriptures that reinforce the principles in each power thought." You will find one at the end of each chapter in Section Two. Joyce encourages reading and memorizing these Scriptures, as well as meditating on them and obeying them for maximum retention of the Word of God.
Overview of Power Thoughts
Joyce's viewpoint is very upbeat, as usual. A "can-do" attitude is prevalent throughout the book. Readers who know Joyce and look forward to her "Joyceisms" will not be disappointed. Anyone who takes the time to fully digest the principles in this book should find themselves well-equipped to fight the battle that goes on in the mind. Joyce details valid principles for controlling our thoughts, and gaining victory in this very difficult battle.
She may have gone a bit overboard though with the "Think About It" questions. Most chapters have at least three, some chapters have ten, and chapter 12 has only one. They are definitely food for thought (pardon the pun), and many of the questions will require pondering over time -- you may not be able to answer them right off the top of your head. But they do get you thinking about changing your way of thinking, and that's the whole point!
Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind, written by Joyce Meyer, was published by FaithWords Hatchett Book Group of New York in 2010. It contains 272 pages. It retails for $21.99 but can be purchased at a discount on Amazon.com. The ISBN for this book is 78-0-446-58036-6.
Joyce Meyer is "one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ."
Source: Meyer Joyce, Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind (New York: FaithWords, 2010).
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