Five Ways to Take Thoughts Captive

It is done.

You are hurt by another damaged soul.

Your mind rehearses the pain, creates scenes in which you play the parts of both you and the one who hurt you.

Your thinking has run a muck and you turn a simple mistake into World War III, at least in your head. You begin planning your next attack or at least your defense.

Suddenly a still small voice breaks into your plotting. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as in Christ, God forgave you.” The words shake the fog of the bad thinking and resets your mind to right thinking.

God tells us to watch out what we think about:

“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

How are we to take our thoughts captive? Here is a short list of somethings to help us.

1. Recognize wrong thinking. This is easier said than done, but most of the time these thoughts include words like: always, never, impossible, won’t change. Remember we have a God who can do anything. Nothing is beyond Him. When we can’t find a way, He can.

2. Ask what is the truth? Most essential is that Jesus is the truth, but remember that we often feel one way when the truth is something different. For example you may feel like nobody loves you. Is that true? No God made you and loves you and has a plan for you. He wants you to have abundant life here And in heaven. Ask if the thought is true and search out the answer.

3. Don’t allow your feelings to rule your mind. Similar to #2 our feelings often short circuit our brains. Don’t let that happen. Your unruly heart may feel crummy and ready to give-up, but your mind tells you God has given you this dream or God is able to do something amazing in a way you could never imagine.

4. Tell God what your wrong thinking is and ask Him to give you right thinking. God already knows where we have allowed wrong thinking in our lives. So trying to hide it from Him is foolish, but acting like it is great that you have wrong thinking is not right either. Instead confess it. Tell Him I realize this is wrong thinking and I need Your word and more of You to overcome it. Help me think right.

5. Memorize scripture relating to the wrong thinking. I cannot tell you how important scripture has been and continues to be in shaping my thinking. If I know I struggle with prideful thoughts, I memorize verses that remind me of how my attitude and thinking should be around others.

How have you changes wrong thinking into right thinking? I can’t wait to hear your ideas.