Gird Up The Loins Of Your Mind

[1Pet 1:13]

1 Pet 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

The world is in turmoil. Things are getting pretty confusing in these last days in which we live. Situations around us are becoming more stressful day by day. Lawlessness abounds and many people do not know which way to turn as the day of our Lord approaches. But so far we have it pretty easy compared to the saints in the first century. Even though, we have some similarities to deal with (like paid protesters, to set fires and burn businesses, then blame innocent people).

Peter was writing his first letter to the Christians who were under pressure in and around Rome shortly before a crazy emperor named Nero set the city on fire and blamed the Christians for arson. The reason I believe Peter wrote this letter before Rome burned is that in the next chapter, verse 17 he says to honor all, Love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king. So Peter could still say in this letter to honor the king.

Peter knew how to comfort and encourage the saints during those horrible years of persecution. Peter’s epistles are still good reading for those who are going through hard times.

To gird up the loins, a man would bend his knees a bit. and reach down between his legs and grab the back part of his robe at the ground. Then he would pull that up between his legs and tuck it into his girdle or belt. This allowed him to run or work without getting tangled up in his robe. Peter is saying here, that you need to prepare your mind for action. This is talking about “to be ready, or make ready,” with your mind and affections, gird up. Today we might say, “You need to use your head!” Think! Get your head out of the sand and take action!

Be sober: This Greek verb be calls for definite decision, to begin to do this now and don’t just try! The word sober, is Gk. nepho (nay’-fo) is to abstain from wine. “Keep sober in spirit,” also means to be self-controlled, watchful. Don’t ever surrender your hope in the promised salvation!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, in this verse, is talking about His second coming, what we call the rapture.

Peter reminded the saints in their persecution that the prophets and angels didn’t have or understand the hope of salvation that we Christians have. We also need to keep our heads on straight and think on what the Lord has done for us, and hold onto our hope of the return of Jesus.

We can’t afford to let our thoughts become loose like a comfortable garment of leisure while we are running our race. Our minds must continually “be ready” and not allow circumstances and distractions to cause us to slow down, or stumble, or wander off track.

In these last days many people will need help getting back on track. It is our job to be ready with the Word of God to encourage and strengthen the faith and hope of others.

Proclamation or Declaration:

I choose to control my thoughts, so that when things go bad, or look hopeless, I am not distracted by bad news or world chaos. I don’t lose hope. I gird up the loins of my mind by actively thinking on, anticipating, and being ready for the return of Jesus. I set my mind on a living hope and a sure salvation and there is no room for the devil! I constantly set my mind on things above. I don’t entertain thoughts about the problems of the world. I continually study God’s Word, and stay in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond