Letting Go of Intrusive Thoughts and Finding PeaceSample

How to Take Our Thoughts Captive to Christ

Scripture clearly tells us that if we do not take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, then we will be taken in by deceit. This means that we can start to accept lies that the enemy, or even ourselves, can use against us. 

Yesterday, we talked about one way we can test whether or not a thought is taken captive to the Lord. Evaluating if the thoughts are bringing us closer to God or away from Him is important. If it is causes us to stop pursuing Jesus, then we know we have some deceit in our thoughts. 

Nothing we can do can make us right with God. In Colossians 2:20-23 many believers were being taken in by philosophies which appeared to give them some measure of holiness but were actually taking them captive against Christ. 

If you look at the words, they sound eerily similar to the description of those who struggle with compulsive thinking. “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (Col 2:21) 

One of the lies that comes with intrusive thoughts is the idea that we have to do a certain action (or not do) in order to have peace in our mind. Sometimes we go over and over the thoughts in our heads believing that will somehow bring penance. But there is absolutely nothing we can do to bring about our own peace. Any momentary feelings of peace will never satisfy our hearts. That is why we go from one compulsive thought to the next, never to be free. 

However, when we take our thoughts captive to the truth of Christ, admitting that our own way of thinking is wrong, we can learn to lay our struggle down at the feet of Jesus. Jesus is the only one who can give peace because He is the only one who is righteous. We must lean into or rest in His righteous acts and not try to take control.

Prayer: God I know that you are good and that you do not want me to be trapped in my mind. Lord Jesus thank you that you died on the cross to set me free. Please teach me to rest in your peace and not the peace I try to build for myself. Help me to understand the difference and realize that you Jesus are my peace. In Jesus name, Amen.