by Barbara Latta
The temptations from the enemy have not changed since
mankind fell. He whispers through TV, radios, and electronics with headlines,
debates, opinions, advertisements, and entertainment that compete for our
attention with engraved invitations to participate in the banquet of worldly
living.
Other times words can come from our own minds due to past
experiences. Other people may say things that don’t intend harm but we can take
their conversations the wrong way and create assumptions that hurt our hearts.
How do we resist letting these thoughts grab our minds?
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according
to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God
for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ.
To take these thoughts captive, we exchange them for other
food. We need to replace them with God’s thoughts and words. The only way we
can do that is to have a steady diet of what He says rather than society’s menu.
Philippians 4:8 tells us to only think about things that are good.
No matter what plagues our mind, we can find a solution for
in the Bible.
Here are 6 Scriptures that can help us combat negative
thoughts.
1. Thoughts of worthlessness – The Lord your God is
with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest
in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you. (Zephaniah 3:17 NCV)
2. Thoughts of lack –
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in
lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. Ture to your word, you let
me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. (Psalm 23:1-3 MSG)
3. Thoughts of past hurts – He heals the wounds of every
shattered heart. (Psalm 147:3 TPT)
4. Thoughts of past sins – As far as the east is from the
west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12 NKJV)
5. Thoughts of anxiety – Do not be anxious or worried
about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer
and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known
to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace]
which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your
hearts and minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP)
6. Thoughts of envy – Love is large and incredibly
patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous
when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s
achievements nor inflate its own importance. (1 Corinthians 13:4 TPT)
We can’t live in our identity in Christ unless we learn to think like our Savior does. His love covers all. When we meditate on how much He
loves us, those depressing and fearful thoughts will vanish like the fog under
the sun. We can take these verses along with others and place our own name in
them as we apply God’s healing balm to our situations.
Join the conversation and share other Scriptures you use
to take every thought captive.
TWEETABLE
6 Scriptures to Combat Negative Thoughts (click to tweet)
Thank you Barbara. Thoughts creep in with triggers and in unexpected ways. Your resources from our Source are timely personally and to share.
ReplyDeleteThoughts creep in with triggers is so true, Marilyn. We can get attacked unexpectedly but thankfully God gjves us His weapons to win with. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteI like the strategy of inserting my name in Scripture. It’s makes it extra meaningful. I memorized Phil 4:8 a long time ago and frequently call on it to counter wrong thinking.
ReplyDeleteCandyce Carden
Philippians 4:8 is a great reminder of what our thoughts can do. I depend upon that Scripture also, Candyce. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteAs I was reading your inspiring post, the words of II Corinthians 10:5 kept ringing out Ms. Barbara. I think that's when I realized your six Scriptures are perfect filters to apply when we take every thought captive. Great concept but oh so difficult to always do. I'll keep trying. Thank you and God's blessings ma'am.
ReplyDeleteYes, keeping our minds where they need to be is difficult because our enemy comes against us in many ways. Thanks for sharing. J.D. Blessings!
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ReplyDeleteBarbara, you've brought up some of the biggest culprits that can crowd my mind. Like you shared, Philippians 4:7 is one of my go-tos when I find myself getting too caught up in these places. God can give us true peace, no matter what we're facing. Thanks for reminding us, my friend!
ReplyDeleteTrue peace is the key isnt it, Leigh? And the Father's word is the medicine we need for our minds we just need to make sure we take it. Sometimes that's where we stumble. Other things can get in the way. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteYour message brings hope and reassurance when our hearts are troubled. Isaiah 40:31 helps me: Those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings of eagles. They shall run and not be weary and walk and not faint.
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 40:31 is an amazing Scripture to give us hope and peace. Thanks for sharing that wonderful word, Katherine. Blessings!
DeleteThese are so comforting, Barbara, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vera, for sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
DeleteWhat a blessing to have this kind of list for myself and to share with others. Thank you Barbara. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Yvonne. I have enjoyed following your travels to Africa. Blessings!
DeleteBarbara, here's one of my favorites: "I have cared for you since you were born.
ReplyDeleteYes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT)
That's a great one to keep before us for encouragement as we age. Thanks for sharing that, Annie. Blessings!
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