Battling For Control of Your Mind

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (ESV)  For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

This simple strategy is designed to “take thoughts captive” and not to be held captive by your own mind.

Preparation:  Take index cards or anything to view this strategy and keep it handy/accessible. It is important to write down anywhere from four to ten or twelve verses that reinforce key spiritual principles. Example: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 139:1ff, Psalm 119:1ff, 1 Peter 5:7, etc.

Immediate Response Action Plan:

1. As soon as a negative, debilitating, and/or sinful thought is detected………….it must be addressed and stopped. You must figure out what works for you. It may be that you say “stop” or “no” or some other type of command. It may be that you change your posture, move your body, clinch your fist, grit your teeth, or move your arm…….whatever helps you to stop the thought process.
2. Almost simultaneously, you must verbally ask God for help and fight/rebuke the forces of evil.
3. As soon as you rebuke evil and reach out to God, you must pull out the verses and begin to fill your mind with God’s truth, His perspective on you and life.
4. After you have read enough verses to have your mind focused on God’s promises or truth, you must be honest with him about your feelings, the situation, or your desire. Talk to Him as a child in need of talking to a loving parent.
5. After sharing your heart with God the Father, begin to intercede for people who do not believe in Jesus. Write down the names of people who are in need of forgiveness and salvation (2-10 names) so that you can focus on them and their need of God’s presence. If possible, say their names out loud before God. Plead with Him to change others lives. At this point, talk to God about any other person that you care about or you know that they have a specific need.

This plan has both defensive and offensive components to help a person transition for a negative/ungodly way of thinking to a positive/godly way of thinking.

Repeat this process as often as needed throughout the day to combat the wrong thought patterns that have become your “normal”. It is imperative that you engage in a positive proactive assault to change your thinking as opposed to a helpless, “let your mind run wild, and/or do nothing approach. Telling yourself that you won’t think about it will not work. The negative, debilitating, and/or sinful thought must be replaced with positive, enlightening, and/or godly thought.

NOTE: It is not uncommon, at some point, in this battle to have a need to release emotional energy. This is not a strange or weird phenomenon but rather a natural response to an emotional, mental, and spiritual battle. Suggestions: hit a pillow, scream in a safe place, go for run, do some basic exertion exercises, or whatever fatigues you physically. There is a deep connection between the body, soul, and mind so emotions are often released during physical exertion. One is interconnected with the other.