Get in the Battle

Last night in our Home Group we discussed the battle waged in our minds that we all face. Sadly, many of us go about our days without giving much thought to our thinking.

Throughout years of my life I was tossed to and fro, knocked here and there, because of unidentified intruders that set up camp in my thought life. These thoughts were so subtly and familiar that for a long time I didn’t recognize that they were unwanted intruders. I thought they were simply me!

Eventually I began to recognize that they were lies being perpetrated against me that weren’t coming from the heart of God. I decided to wake up, get on the offensive and wrestle down the obtrusive thoughts, taking them captive.

What one of us would sit by and let an intruder barge in our home uninvited? Yet we often sit by passively when invasive thoughts infiltrate our minds like cancer. Yet, the effort that it takes to challenge our thinking is rather small in comparison to the years the enemy has kept us ineffective and off the playing field.

When we allow ourselves to be accused over and over again, we are giving an intruder the benefit of the doubt. We might as well go over to the enemy’s camp. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. Who do we want to be standing with in the fight?

We have a choice everyday to control our thoughts or be controlled by our thoughts. We can sit around and allow negative thoughts to zap our energy, wear us down and keep us paralyzed, or we can fill our mind with the truth of God’s word. There is scientific proof that negative thoughts release toxic chemicals into our bodies, poorly affecting our health, while healthy, loving thoughts affect us positively. Take a look at some of the affects of negative thinking.

Why we hold onto negative thinking
1. The negative is a familiar feeling 2. Feeling out of control over a situation makes us want to think of ways to control or manipulate an outcome 3. We like to feel sorry for ourselves
4. We give ourselves an excuse to procrastinate 5. We allow ourselves to remain a victim, wanting sympathy

The fruit that comes from thinking & believing the truth
1. Feeling healthy and having energy 2. Releasing manipulation and taking responsibility 3. Faith in the goodness of the Lord 4. Feeling confident and motivated to face life 5. Being hopeful and proactive

How do we change negative thoughts and renew our mind?
1. Stop your thoughts in their tracks and replace them with the truth of God’s word. If you feel worried find what God says about worrying. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-72.

2. Journal about the way you honestly feel. Then respond by giving your thoughts a renewed vantage point. 3. Decide to find the good in everyday, and watch your countenance change!
4. Decide not to allow any circumstance to steal your joy. 5. PRAY! Go on the offensive and get in the battle!