How to Take Your Thoughts Captive to Christ
PASTORAL REFLECTION
How to Take Your Thoughts Captive to Christ
Worry is an issue I see in the office everyday and worry always reminds me of the first time I held a chicken. I was scared to death! But with the right hold? It was just a chicken. To this day? It’s just a chicken… and worry? It usually is.
From the simple worries of everyday life to being completely consumed with fear, worry can steal our joy, keep us stuck, and prevent us from seeing things the way God intended us to see them.
If you are struggling with taking thoughts captive to Jesus, here are three questions to ask yourself.
QUESTION 01
Is this a fact or a feeling?
You know I always tell you feelings aren’t facts. Your feelings matter but they are NOT facts. For instance, if a friend doesn’t text back for a few days your first thought might be “She is probably mad at me!” But that’s usually rooted in past hurts. Instead, reframe the thought. “If she is mad at me, it’s her responsibility to tell me. I can’t think of anything I did that would genuinely hurt someone’s feelings. I choose to believe the best.” The Bible says love does that you know!
QUESTION 02
What does God say about this?
“This won’t ever get better…” is a thought that can be changed by simply spitting the Word back at the thought! Jesus did this in the wilderness. While it may not change the anxiety or thought immediately, you have just introduced truth to the thought. “I am the Lord Your God… is anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27) That’s my favorite for almost anything that feels impossible. And the best part is that question is rhetorical. God KNOWS nothing is too hard for Him!
QUESTION 03
How do I replace the thought?
Speak the truth out loud. Prophesy over yourself! If the thought is “I guess I just always lose…” we are going to combine what we already learned and speak the truth out loud! “That’s not true. Lord, in your Word You said “I am MORE than a conqueror through Him who loved me first.” It’s ok to use Google to find the verses you want to replace thoughts with. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar for Truth to work!
As you continue to grow in the Lord, I’m here if you need guidance. He has not dropped you yet and I do not expect Him to start now. Ready for some homework? Pick a verse that blankets a lot of your issues right now that are running through your head. Tape it to wall beside your bed where you HAVE to see it every morning and every night. Meditate on His Word and it will marinate into YOU!
In Him,
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