Embarking on a serious spiritual journey demands vigilant guardianship over the mind. This practice is called Spiritual Fencing. It is the deliberate act of consciously occupying the mind to ensure we control our thoughts, rather than letting them control us. This discipline is vital in the early stages of a spiritual journey. The mind serves as the battleground for growth in holiness or vulnerability to straying. In Spiritual Fencing, we focus on ten familiar areas of daily life, like work, relationships, prayer, rest, or personal habits. This cultivates mindfulness that gradually extends to every part of our existence. This article explores why spiritual fencing is essential for spiritual growth. It is rooted in the scriptural truth that thoughts are the root of both sin and sanctity. It outlines a biblical framework for managing thoughts to align with God’s will, incorporating the powerful practices of TAPPING and Vox Divini meditation.

Why Spiritual Fencing is Essential

Spiritual Fencing is crucial because the mind is where our spiritual journey begins. It is also where it can falter. Jesus taught in Matt 5:21-22 that anger in the heart is akin to murder. In Matt 5:27-28, lustful thoughts equate to adultery. These teachings show that thoughts are the seedbed of actions, whether righteous or sinful. When we neglect our thoughts, we risk losing our sense of freedom. We may feel controlled from within and act contrary to our deepest desires. Evil often attacks first through subtle intrusions in the mind, as noted. This leads to broken boundaries and a loss of inner peace. By consciously occupying the mind through spiritual fencing, we build a defense against these attacks. This ensures our thoughts align with God’s truth and foster holiness.

Spiritual Fencing starts by consciously occupying your mind in ten areas of daily life, such as prayer, work, family interactions, rest, worship, meals, leisure, service, learning, and community involvement. We consciously direct our thoughts in these areas, asking, “Are my thoughts here aligned with God’s will?” This trains our minds to stay vigilant. The focused practice in familiar domains builds a habit of mindfulness. Over time, it extends to all areas of life, creating a strong spiritual defense. In the early days of a spiritual journey, this discipline is crucial. It establishes a foundation for sustained growth. It helps us avoid the chaos of unchecked thoughts and guides us toward peace and purpose.

Scriptural Perspective on Thoughts and the Mind

The Bible underscores the centrality of the mind in our spiritual lives. It portrays thoughts as the origin of actions and the key to transformation. Scripture provides a clear pattern: thoughts shape our path. Consciously managing them through Spiritual Fencing aligns us with God’s purpose. Below, we explore key biblical themes from verses on thoughts, thinking, and the mind. These illustrate the pattern and its connection to spiritual fencing.

The Origin and Power of Thoughts

Scripture reveals that thoughts arise from the heart and mind. They often serve as the entry point for evil or the foundation for righteousness. Unmanaged thoughts can lead to spiritual drift. Guarded thoughts foster freedom.

• Mark 7:20-22: “What comes out of a person is what defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, folly.” Evil thoughts precede sinful actions. This highlights the need for vigilance.
• Prov 4:23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” The heart, the seat of thoughts, influences all of life. This makes spiritual fencing a necessity.
• Ps 94:11: “The Lord knows our thoughts, that they are but an empty breath.” God sees the fleeting yet powerful nature of thoughts. This urges us to align them with His truth.
• Isa 55:8: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” Human thoughts often diverge from God’s. This requires intentional redirection through spiritual fencing.

These verses establish that thoughts are the starting point of deviation or devotion. Spiritual fencing—consciously occupying the mind—is an essential defense.

Commands to Control and Guard Thoughts

The Bible calls us to actively manage our thoughts. This is a core part of spiritual fencing. We reject negative influences and focus on godly truths. This prevents thoughts from controlling us.

• 2 Cor 10:5: “We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Spiritual fencing involves capturing thoughts and submitting them to Christ.
• Phil 4:8: “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This guides us to fill our minds with virtuous thoughts.
• Col 3:2: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Spiritual fencing directs our focus heavenward.
• Prov 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.” Relying on God’s wisdom guards against misguided thoughts.
• Jas 1:19-20: “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.” Controlling emotional thoughts prevents sinful actions.
• Eph 4:26-27: “Be angry but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger. Do not make room for the devil.” Swiftly addressing negative thoughts blocks evil’s entry.

These verses emphasize need for proactive guarding of our thoughts. They align with spiritual Fencing’s call to consciously occupy the mind in daily activities.

Renewal and Transformation Through Spiritual Fencing

Spiritual Fencing facilitates the renewal of the mind. It transforms thoughts to reflect God’s will. This process is central to growing in holiness.

• Rom 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Thus you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Renewal through spiritual fencing enables discernment.
• Eph 4:23: “Be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” Ongoing mindfulness reshapes thought patterns.
• Col 3:10: “Clothe yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.” Spiritual fencing aligns us with God’s image.
• Ps 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Inviting God’s scrutiny ensures pure thoughts.
• Isa 26:3: “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you.” Focusing on God brings peace.
• Phil 4:6-7: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer fortifies the mind.

This reveals a growth pattern. Spiritual Fencing, by consciously occupying the mind, fosters transformation and peace.

Consequences of Unmanaged Thoughts

Without Spiritual Fencing, thoughts can lead to spiritual bondage. This includes broken boundaries and loss of freedom, as described.

• Gal 5:16-17: “Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. What the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit.” Unchecked thoughts fuel fleshly desires.
• Rom 8:6: “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Spiritual fencing chooses life.
• Prov 28:26: “Those who trust in their own wits are fools. Those who walk in wisdom come through safely.” Relying on self leads to folly. Spiritual fencing ensures safety.

Stages of Spiritual Fencing: A Biblical Framework

Scripture doesn’t explicitly outline stages. Yet a logical progression for Spiritual Fencing emerges from verses like Rom 12:2 and 2 Cor 10:5. This framework helps beginners consciously occupy their minds. It starts with ten familiar areas and expands mindfulness outward.

1. Awareness and Recognition: Make an examination of conscience daily and evaluate how well you have consciously occupied your mind on that day. Evaluate the ten areas you have chosen for your Spiritual Fencing. This helps you to be aware of the areas that you often get distracted. Pray for God to reveal wayward thoughts (Ps 139:23-24) and ask mother Mary and saints  to help you in this journey. Ask yourself, “What am I thinking while I travel, have food, walk around etc ? Am I in control of my thoughts or are my thoughts controlling me?  Such an evaluation helps us to lay the foundation for building mindfulness.
2. Rejection and Captivity: Surrender daily,  thoughts contrary to the mind of Christ (2 Cor 10:5. Ask pardon and wash your mind, body, thoughts and actions with the blood  of Jesus. This will help you to rise quickly from your failures, instead of giving space for discouragements and guilt to control your minds.
3. Replacement and Renewal: Replace negative thoughts and deeds with godly ones (Phil 4:8). In work, classes, studies, leisure etc. shift your minds from distractions to Col 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
4. Maintenance and Expansion: Sustain spiritual fencing through daily habits—prayer, Scripture, and fellowship (Heb 10:24-25). Guard the heart (Prov 4:23) in these ten areas. Let mindfulness spread to all of life. Over time, discernment grows (Rom 12:2).

This progression mirrors spiritual growth. It moves from reactive awareness to proactive holiness. It ensures thoughts don’t control us but serve God’s purpose.

Strengthening Spiritual Fencing Through TAPPING and Vox Divini Meditation

Spiritual fencing is strengthened by two powerful practices: TAPPING and Vox Divini meditation. These work together to consciously occupy the mind and align it with the mind of Christ. They are integral to spiritual fencing. They help you to surrender distractions and grow in holiness.

TAPPING is a prayer method encompassing Thanksgiving, Adoration, Pardon, Praise, Intercession, New Life, and Good Action. In TAPPING, you surrender your entire day to God. You surrender the areas where your mind was distracted. If specific distractions arise, like worry during work or anger in relationships, you need to surrender those to God. If no specific distractions stand out, you can  surrender all mental wanderings, entrusting them to God’s care. You then wash these distractions with the blood of Jesus. This engages us in a daily process of healing and purification. You also spend time discussing with Jesus how you wish to make a difference in those areas on the following day. This act of surrender and cleansing ensures your thoughts do not control us. They are realigned with God’s will, reinforcing the boundaries of your spiritual fencing.

Vox Divini meditation complements TAPPING by fostering a deeper connection to the mind of Christ. Through daily meditation, you can consciously focus on God’s Word and presence. This allows you to grow in spiritual awareness.  This trains your minds to dwell on what is true, pure, and commendable ( Phil 4:8). As you continue Vox Divini Meditation, you gradually conform yourself to the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). With consistent practice, this meditation strengthens your ability to maintain mindfulness across all areas of life. It extends the protective reach of our spiritual fence.

Together, TAPPING and Vox Divini meditation empower Spiritual Fencing. They address distractions and foster growth. TAPPING cleanses the mind of wayward thoughts. Vox Divini meditation fills it with God’s truth, creating a cycle of surrender and renewal. In TAPPING, you surrender areas where you were not conformed to the mind of Christ and wash them with the blood of Jesus. In Vox Divini meditation, we grow more and more into the mind of Christ. This ensures our thoughts align with God’s will. These  practices ensures that you take control of your thoughts. It prevents them from leading you astray and guides you toward peace and holiness.

Conclusion

Spiritual Fencing – consciously occupying the mind – is the cornerstone of a transformative spiritual journey. You take control of your thoughts in ten familiar areas of life. We reinforce this practice with TAPPING and Vox Divini meditation. This guards against the subtle attacks of evil that begin in the mind, as Scripture warns (Mk 7:20-22). Through awareness, rejection, renewal, and maintenance, spiritual fencing aligns our thoughts with God’s truth. It fosters holiness and preserves freedom. As Rom 12:2 promises, renewing the mind transforms us to discern and live God’s perfect will. Begin today: Choose your ten areas. Surrender distractions through TAPPING. Grow in the mind of Christ through Vox Divini meditation. Build a spiritual fence that guides you toward a life of peace and purpose.

To know what is Spiritual Fencing and how to maintain it see the video below.