Sometimes we just struggle with our thoughts. Thoughts of ‘not enough’ or ‘less than’. Thoughts of fear or failure. Thoughts of “If only I could” or “I wish…” Let’s face it. Either our thoughts can take us captive or we can take them captive.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. {2 Corinthians 10:5}

But let’s be honest. ‘Sometimes’ is a really loose term when it comes to our thoughts. I would dare say that most of us struggle with a thought or multiple thoughts of this kind almost daily. Often wondering again and again if we really are who God says we are. And, even believing our own thoughts and ideas over Truth.

Let’s face it. We can’t always trust our thoughts or emotions to be accurate guides.

These really are areas the enemy likes to set up residence in our lives. If he can control our thoughts, he can manipulate our emotions and eventually rule our actions. A vicious cycle of overtaking God’s people one little thought at a time.

By planting little insecurities or ‘what ifs’ or rabbit trail ideas that often lead us to worst case scenarios, he can create sheer chaos. We often don’t recognize these thoughts to be unfounded and untrue, when in fact, they really are.

We can go from random thoughts to the absolute worst thoughts in a matter of moments. And, all these thoughts often lead to to so many different insecurities and fears. Often times, heaping themselves into a mountain of gigantic proportions if we allow them. Sadly, the enemy would like nothing better.

With every random thought or idea he plants, he gains one more little stronghold over our lives and relationships.

Really, if we are listening to those little whispers of lies (yes, that is what the enemy is –  the author of confusion and lies!), then can we really hear and discern God’s voice?

It is so hard. Hard to hear Him when our thoughts and ideas are centered around complete untruths and scattered wishes and unmet dreams.

When we can finally realize in our hearts that God is the author of our lives, then with His help, we can begin to shift our focus from the author of lies.

By replacing all of these hidden, mind games with the authority of our Lord, we can overcome any attempt the enemy uses to muddle up our thinking.

Why not try a few of the ideas below? Really, isn’t time with Him the only answer to keeping the enemy at bay?

(1) Focus on Truth. Get in the Word and read what God says about you. Don’t trust your emotions or thoughts to dictate who you are – you are God’s – chosen, holy, a royal priesthood, special possession – don’t you love that?

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
{I Peter 2:9}

If we are His special possession (Sorry, but I have read this a hundred times and never noticed this one! Can you tell it is a new favorite?), I am confident that He would go to any lengths to fill our minds with Truth and protect our spirits from anything the enemy might attempt. Maybe, He is just waiting for us to ask Him? To trust Him to help? To depend on Him, rather than our own abilities?

(2) Get on your knees. Yes, let’s just ask Him to fill our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. {Philippians 4:8}

I love this list! Who wouldn’t want to have these things filling their mind? And, hopefully with all of these great things to think about, there will be no time for anything less than these.

(3) Offer praise and thanksgiving. Go down your list of all the things you are thankful for. Even little things. Praise and thanksgiving causes the enemy to flee. Do this out loud or write it down. Sometimes, we need to actually slow down long enough to realize our blessings.

Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. {Psalms 8:2}

Sometimes, when I am overwhelmed, I simply say the name, Jesus. That one word really is enough.

(4) Repeat. I know this can seem daunting when your mind is already reeling over whatever it may be the enemy is using to paralyze you, but believe me, I have been there. My mind is an area of my life where the enemy subtly, yet constantly comes in and overthrows all the things I ‘know‘ to be true. No, I did not say sometimes. I said constantly. Thank goodness, when I am weak, He is strong. And, His strength is magnified in times where I really don’t know where to begin. It may not be an easy battle, but it will be well worth it!

Hopefully these simple, yet powerful steps will enable all of us to move one step closer to the peace of God and away from the chaos of thoughts left unguarded. So, friend, don’t you dare give in or give up!

Be prepared for the enemy’s lies by recognizing his tactics and taking action quickly.

Deliberately stop them.
Say the name of Jesus out loud.
And, begin to take each of those hair-raising fears, lies or ‘what ifs’ captive.

In this case friends, taking our thoughts captive is ultimately the first step to freedom.

But, only through the power of our Savior, Jesus.

He is able. And, ready. And, willing.

Thank you, Jesus.
I want my thoughts to be centered on you, and only you. My Creator, Redeemer and Friend.

And all God’s special possessions said, “Amen!”