casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV)
When I published my first print book, multiple problems arose. I began doubting myself and my calling. Did God really call me to write? If God called me to write, how does he expect me, a blind woman, to proof the final book? Why did He put me in an impossible situation?
The mind is the devil’s favorite battleground. He plants seeds of deception that we begin to believe as they take root and grow, like a well-nourished garden in the spring.
I am unworthy. I am unlovable. I am incapable. I am insignificant. These lies along with many more bombard the minds of women every day. Which lies have you believed about yourself?
But what about the truth of God’s Word? Instead of unworthy, unlovable, incapable, and insignificant, God says I am blameless (Eph. 1:4). He says I am accepted in the beloved (Eph. 1:6). I am His masterpiece (Eph. 2:10). I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 13914).
The Roman soldier’s helmet protected his head from a deadly head injury. We need to put on the helmet of salvation for the same reason. The enemy seeks to gain a foothold in our minds. Over seventy thousand thoughts pass through our minds daily. Some come and go, while others hang out for a while. Once Satan fills our heads with negativity and lies, he has a stronghold.
First, we need to be cautious about what enters through the eye, the ear, and even the words we speak over ourselves. Next, we must take each thought captive, and remove the bad thoughts before they take root. Negative thoughts, deceptive thoughts, and bothersome thoughts must be removed.
If I don’t take out the trash from my kitchen, a stench develops. The same thing occurs in our minds. Examine every thought. Then take out the trash. It’s easier to remove the enemy’s lies before they trigger our emotions.
What thoughts are troubling you today? Has it caused you to worry? Does it make you doubt God? Do you doubt yourself? Does it stir up anxiety or fear? Is it true?
God created the brain to concentrate on one thing at a time. Picture Iva, my black lab. You’ve probably seen pictures of her. Now picture a white cat. Is it hard to replace the image of Iva with the image of a cat? Our minds cannot concentrate on more than one thing at a time, so fill your mind with the truth of God.
Allow His truth to replace those negative thoughts.
Once we train our brains to think right, it will become easier to take the garbage out and leave God’s truth in.
Heavenly Father, give me the discernment to recognize unhealthy thoughts that the enemy plants in my mind. Tear down his strongholds. Guard my mind with Your mighty hand. Don’t allow thoughts to grow into unhealthy emotions like fear and worry. I trust in You alone. I desire the mind of Christ. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
I want to share one of my favorite passages of Scripture with you, Ephesians chapter one. It gives me my true identity, so when the devil starts planting his lies in my mind, I can turn to Ephesians chapter one, and replace his lies with God’s truth. I pray that helps you as much as it has helped me.
RELATED RESOURCE
Have you had it with your emotions controlling you? Perhaps menopause or PMS isn’t the only culprit. Sometimes the enemy camouflages mood swings for emotional strongholds, the piece of real estate he occupies in our minds. Is it possible to be the boss of your thoughts and feelings rather than them being the boss of you? Learn more here.
Originally posted on June 7, 2021 @ 3:00 am
Yes what enters the mind through what we watch and listen to travels down to our hearts. And what flows out of our mouths is the condition of our heart. like the saying…”garbage in, garbage out”
Yes!