Taking care of your mind: Why not all thoughts are worth your time.
Have you ever felt paralyzed just because of one thought that entered your mind? Maybe it’s fear because of your situation, or a thought that whispered how unworthy you are and how much of a failure you are. Whatever it is, it starts with one thought-- one thought that fills you with all these negative emotions about yourself and your situation and threatens to take away your hope, peace and joy, bringing such heaviness in your soul.
Being a child of God doesn’t excuse us from having these kinds of battles. In fact, we are the target of the enemy’s deception. Remember that the enemy tries to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) what God has for you and he is always prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
This is why we need to take control of our minds. Remember that your mind is a battlefield of truth and lies and every day you will have to choose what thoughts you entertain. So what do we do when we face these battles?
Be sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8)
Being sober-minded means that we keep our minds clear of negative influences that will alter our mental state. It means being aware of what’s happening inside our minds. It's knowing the distinction between a lie and the truth and the best way to know its difference is by familiarizing yourself with the truth. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Get yourself so immersed in God’s truth that the moment a lie enters your mind, you will immediately notice it and you will know that you don’t have to believe it.
Remember that God’s voice is always encouraging, loving, and gentle while the enemy’s voice is always condemning, bringing doubts and discouragement. Don’t give him a foothold by believing in his lies.
Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Each time thoughts that you know are not from God enter your mind, confront them and expose them as the lies of the enemy. Start declaring what God has said, start worshipping God and read His word. Once your mind is filled with the things of God, the enemy has no other choice but to leave.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Remember that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
The power of He who resides in you is far greater than the enemy’s lies and deceptions. His Spirit gives you the authority over those things, and yes, you have the ability to command those thoughts to leave your mind the moment they enter.
Do not be held captive by your own thoughts...instead, take them captive!
Do not be controlled by the lies but command them to leave!
As you do these things watch how your mood, attitude, decisions and views on your life begin to change for the better. THIS is of the Lord! This is the abundant life He wants for you and why He commands you to take every thought captive. Will you give it a try today? What do you have to lose?
For ongoing monthly encouragement, consider a Butterfly Box subscription.