Can We Control Our Thoughts?
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
Do you think we have the ability from God to control our thoughts? And controlling our thoughts also means we control our emotions rather than letting our emotions control us. We will see from scripture that God instructs us to control our thoughts and emotions, and we do this through the power of the Holy Spirit. It seems to be a monumental task, however with the power of God and with a heart of determination, we are promised victory because God never fails.
Taking captive every thought can be difficult if we have the habit of reacting out of our emotions. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19). This verse is the key to capturing our emotions, training ourselves to be quick to listen and slow to respond. This gives us time to access Godly wisdom and start to gain control over our emotional thought. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (First John 5: verse 4). When we let the world control us, we have become slaves to the world. Christ sets us free and we fight for this freedom by not letting the actions of others or events in the world take control of us, but instead we run to the Lord and respond in Godly wisdom. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1).
Satan will attack us with negative thoughts derived from fear, such as anger, unforgiveness, and impatience. We can overcome these attacks or we can run form these attacks. We run to self-medication, such as alcohol which makes things worse than the original negative thought. We overcome through the power of God by giving the Lord our fear or anger, and seek his guidance to overcome. We put our negative thoughts in the Lord’s hands, and we walk with Godly wisdom and confidence.
The best way to overcome negative thoughts is to maintain Godly thoughts. Commune with the Lord, meditate on scripture, praise and thank the Lord, and seek his guidance. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8). We have the power from God to choose our thoughts.
We control our thoughts by choosing what we think, choosing Godly thoughts. And we capture every negative thought, give to Lord, and choose Godly thoughts. We have the power to control our thoughts from the power of the Holy Spirit. We are either in control of our thoughts and emotions through the Spirit, or our thoughts and emotions are controlled by the world. We have the ability to choose.
Today control your thoughts and exchange any negative, fearful, or angry thoughts, for comforting Godly thoughts. If we can control our thoughts we feel better, more relaxed, and we are generally healthier. Research shows that our thoughts have a direct effect on or health.
Prayer: Lord, help me today to control my thoughts, to overcome any negative fearful or angry thoughts, and choose comforting Godly thoughts. Help me to exchange negative thoughts to thoughts of praise and thanks for freeing me in Christ. Thank you for giving me your power through the Spirit, power to overcome the world. In Jesus name, Amen