Taking Every Thought Captive

Learning to control my thoughts God’s way has been the most freeing, life giving and vital practice I’ve grown in. It starts something like this….I make a mistake and then comes that pesky inner critic telling me how stupid and useless I must be. How could I be so dumb as to mess up like that? I end up in a negative mindset rut. I feel ashamed of myself, dumb and extremely inadequate. The vicious cycle continues.

I’ve prayed, asked God for wisdom and turned to Him for spiritual renewal when these episodes happen. I’ve tasted and seen for myself that nothing renews and cleanses like the word of God and prayer. I know in order to break this thinking pattern habit I need to start from the roots up and this means catching these thoughts before they even start!

I have selected scripture verses to think and pray over every time I start to feel this oppression. As sons and daughters of the most High King, we have dominion over the darkness! His Holy Spirit lives inside you and me! His power is stronger than any oppressive thought or obstacle keeping us down. With His strength I can recognize lies and deceptive thoughts and refuse their presence in my mind! We can stand up and resist the devil and he shall flee! What wonderful news!

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. Phillippians 4:8

Ask yourself. “Are these thoughts true?” “Are they pure?” “Would I say this to someone else?” “Would God want me to say this to myself?” “Do these thoughts build up or tear down?” These questions have all helped me pinpoint the root issues of my negative thinking patterns and stop them in their tracks! Praying and committing our struggles and weaknesses to God is how we take every thought captive.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:6-7

Our thoughts are important to God and He says so in His word. I so appreciate the last part of the verse that talks about His peace guarding our minds. He knows our minds are vulnerable and need His protection.♡

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Hard times will come, but instead of letting them defeat me, I can bring them all from the greatest to the smallest to my father God. He wants to hear about my every struggle, hold my hand and catch my tears through it all. I know my Father sees my hurt. When I sense His presence it calms my spirit and gives me a renewed sense of peace.

Wait patiently for the Lord to act and trust in Him O my soul. Wait quietly. Be at rest my soul. Be still and know He is God.

~Wait Patiently by Lori Bailey