"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
Each of us have experienced those times when our minds continually replay an event or conversation. Every time it happens, there’s something in us that is hoping for a different outcome. However, that is not the case. Instead, the memory loop continues stealing our peace, causing anxiety, and robbing us of our joy.
A few weeks ago, Jon and I had one of “those” experiences. It involved kayaking, an injury, and a mad dash to the hospital. I won’t bore you with the details but suffice it to say that my thoughts over the next few days were a virtual whirlwind, replaying the details over and over again. My sleep was affected as was my peace of mind. It wasn’t until I started following Paul’s advice from 2 Corinthians 10:5, that I started to regain my sense of calm.
To “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” is not an easy task. We are bombarded on every side with opinions and advertisements trying to influence what we are thinking about. Today’s culture has even introduced people called “influencers” that are paid to purposely steer us towards specific products or social/political platforms. Added to that, is the fact that the enemy often uses our minds to plant seeds of doubt, disbelief, confusion, anger, and hopelessness.
So how do we even begin to win the war that is being waged in our minds? Great Question, right? And, while I don’t have all of the answers, I do have some suggestions that may help.
1. Spend time in the Word of God
In 2003, Casting Crowns released a song entitled Voice of Truth. This song is a reminder and a challenge to us. Whose voice are we listening to?
But the voice of truth tells me a different story The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!" The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Lyrics by Casting Crowns
The Word of God is filled with scriptures that remind us of God’s love and His desires for our lives. But the voices we listen to the most will have the most power in our thought lives. Do we give more time to TV, Social Media, and people than we do to God. The few hours we spend in church each week are not enough to off-set and counter the influence of all of the other voices in our lives, we must make time with God a priority if we are to be able to discern the “voice of truth”.
2. Be Intentional about your Thoughts
Have you ever taken the peanut butter test? No, it doesn’t involve actual peanut butter, but it really is an example of the power of suggestion. For instance, if I told you NOT to think about peanut butter you would immediately go there. You might picture your favorite brand, do a quick mental inventory to remember if you have it in your pantry, you might even think of all of the ways you like peanut butter – like in cookies, on toast, or simply by the spoonful.
Satan uses the power of suggestion on us a lot. It’s one of his favorite tricks. He used it in the Garden with Eve by pointing out the fruit on the tree and planting doubt in her mind. He also used it on Jesus when he was in the wilderness by pointing out the stones and reminding Jesus that he could turn them into bread. Think about it. If you have been fasting and someone mentions bread, don’t you immediately begin to imagine the smell of fresh baked bread? How the crust breaks when you take a bite? How great bread tastes when covered with butter & honey? The power of suggestion is not just a theory, but something that can and is used against us with pretty effective results.
In his closing remarks to the church at Philippi, Paul encourages the readers by giving them some sound advice:
“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.
In other words, don’t dwell on the negative. Don’t spend your time thinking about things that will erode your faith. Instead, think on what is True, Honorable, Right, Pure, Lovely, Worthy of Admiration, Excellent & Praiseworthy.
3. Know your Enemy
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reminds us who our enemy really is.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly realms.
Too often, we focus our hurt, anger, disappointment and fear towards people in our lives; a family member, a co-worker, a rude customer, or even someone at church. And, while I believe that Satan will use those people to “push our buttons”, it’s not really the person that is causing the pain. It’s Satan.
Knowing your enemy is the first step towards winning the battle. If we quit our job or change churches to get away from a person, chances are that the next place we settle will have someone who pushes the same buttons in us. Yes, their name and face will be different, but it will be the same struggle. Instead, follow James’s instruction from James 4:7:
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Think about the things that you struggle with in your mind and spirit. Where are those thoughts coming from? Are they born of fear, frustration, hurt, anger, or worry? (to name a few…) If so they are NOT from God. It’s time to turn off the mental tape reel and take those thoughts into captivity.
The name of Jesus is a powerful weapon at our disposal every moment of every day and night. When the enemy wages an attack on our minds, start with the name of Jesus. Remember what the Word of God says about His love for you, think about your blessings; remembering the victories He has brought you through, resist the attack of the enemy and you will find peace.
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