We have reached the part of this little series on thoughts that most excites me: being intentional about how we speak to ourselves. I’m no scientist or psychologist, but it’s plain to see that our brains are constantly processing information. And, they are doing this in order to draw conclusions about everything we experience.
Basically, our minds are constantly looking for answers. It’s our job to make sure we control the answers and give ourselves the healthiest, most truthful ones possible. Once we’ve recognized a lie for what it is, whether it comes from ourselves or outside voices, it’s time to replace it with truth.
Here’s a personal example of this…
I think most of you are aware that I am single, but the fact is, while I’ve gone on some casual dates, I have never been in a serious relationship. Now, on more than one occasion, that has made me feel insecure, and lies like, “What’s wrong with me?” or “Guys just aren’t interested in me,” have entered my mind. Once, after a particular barrage of such thoughts, I stopped myself and came up with a list of every guy I had ever known who had been single at the same time as me (a much shorter list than ALL GUYS). Then, I wrote down all the reasons why each one of those relationships hadn’t amounted to anything. The reasons varied, but none of them were cause for shame on my part! The truth then replaced the lie, and I actually haven’t dealt with that insecurity in a long while!
The primary point is to stay aware of what we are thinking and make corrections.
Scripture says…
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action…” – 1 Peter 1:13a
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
There are strong action words in those sentences: guard, prepare, destroy, take captive. We need to take this part of our lives seriously. And, while it might seem okay for us to think lies about ourselves, those are what can often lead to anxiety, depression, and a host of other preventable issues.
So, keep on the lookout for thoughts that are (a) disparaging (b) condemning (c) hopeless or (d) extreme. Then, assess the truth in those thoughts without emotion or bias either way. Ask yourself, “what does the Bible say is true?”
The Bible says things like, you are forgiven, you are redeemed, you are worth dying for, you are powerful, and you are free. Know exactly what the Word says and make sure your thoughts fall in line.
Leave a note in the comments if this blog post was helpful for you. Also, let me know what experiences you’ve had taking thoughts captive!
–SONG
