In the Scriptures the word “gird” is used forty times. It comes from a German word that is related to girdle and girth. So it deals with the waist. It deals with the vital organs of the body that are most exposed. Our skull protects our brain. Our rib cage protects our heart and lungs. But our digestive and reproductive organs are only protected by skin and abdominal muscles. We call this prat of the body our “core”. Fitness trainers stress the importance of doing core exercises. It’s the area of the body that has to be exercised and strengthened because everything else depends on it. No matter how strong your legs are, no matter how much strength you possess in your upper body, a weak core will undermine all of that and result in pulled muscles or injury. It’s like having a beautiful, solid hardwood door installed on cheap hinges. Our core is the hinge between our upper and lower body.

Our mind is the hinge or linchpin of our soul. It’s our mental core that is vulnerable through the eye gate and ear gates. When we face obstacles, adversity, or temptation, we can fold up and crumble or we can show mental toughness and resilience. Anxiety disorders constitute the greatest mental health issue in the United States. Prescription meds are at an all-time as the numbers grow each year. And people are turning to substance abuse and other unhealthy distractions to cope with their issues. And yet we’re told to “be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6). How is that even possible when you’re going through struggles and loss? It is achievable with a girded mind.

We are told told to gird ourselves with strength, truth, and sobriety. (1 Samuel 2:4; Proverbs 31:17; Ephesians 6:14; 1 Peter 1:13). Strength comes from faith in God. The more our faith is tested, the stronger our faith becomes believing in the unshakable promises and unconditional love of an unseen God. Truth comes from the word of God. It is the foundation upon which we build, the light that illuminates our path, and the boundary by which we know our limits. Not only our words, but our lives must come from truth. Sobriety comes from self-control. It means to be focused and clear-headed, restrained and mindful.

This site is dedicated to mental toughness for modern times.

Gird up strong.

Gird up sober.

Gird up true.

Gird up.