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
I awakened this morning with the title of this post running through my mind. What if the first time you had a thought, it was just that . . . a thought? The second time you thought it, you were granted a mulligan by God’s grace. But if you continued spinning it around in your head, it appeared across your forehead in ticker tape format. Right there for everyone to see!
I often hear individuals say, “But I can’t control my thoughts.”
It’s true that it is very difficult to control our thoughts, but our heavenly Father must provide a way for us to do so or He would not have told us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Would we be more deliberate about controlling our thoughts if we new that they would be revealed to everyone around us? I think so!
If God gives us a command, He has a plan. He has provided us with ways to change our thoughts and turn to Christ.
1. Pray – If the first time we have a less than God-pleasing thought we repented of it and prayed for God to deliver us; I believe that with the help of the Holy Spirit we would be less likely to spin on it the third, fourth, or fifth time.
2. Read Scripture – The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is able to defeat the enemy’s attacks. Reciting or reading the Bible is a wonderful way to manage our thoughts.
3. Turn up the Praise – Play some awesome praise tunes, then sing and dance your negative thoughts away.
4. Count Your Blessings – Start thinking about all of the wonderful things God is doing in your life. Big things and even the little things. It’s harder to to have ugly thoughts when listing all of the good things God has done.
Okay, now it’s your turn. What will you do to keep from having ticker tape thoughts?
I love that God provides a way to control our thoughts…THROUGH HIM!!
I like the idea of turning up the praise music. I find that when I am down, by doing that, I tend to turn my thoughts around a little easier.
Hi April, Praise music is one of my favorite ways to restore peace. For some reason driving the car often brings on negative thinking. Turning up the radio and singing along always helps. You’re right God is faithful to provide Holy Spirit help when we struggle! Great to hear from you. Thanks and Blessings!!
I have to constantly be renewing my mind, by filling it up with the Word of God. I have to make a choice not to entertain negative or inappropriate thoughts!
I agree Barbie! I believe God awakened me with this thought as a reminder to myself. It’s a constant challenge, but also a blessing to understand how wonderful it is to rest in His peace rather than my own negative thinking. I always love to hear your thoughts! Thanks!
This is so good. I have really struggled with this. The other thing that I have realized is that our thoughts most of the time dictate our feelings. And many times my feelings determine my actions! It starts right there with my thoughts though. Thanks for giving us an action plan before our actions get out of control too.
You are right Desiree! Thoughts lead to feelings which lead to actions. Often that leads back to more negative thoughts. I so wish I would remember to take them captive when they are just thoughts. Trying to stick to my action plan first before things get out of control. I really appreciate your comments. Thanks!