Captive Thoughts

Captive Thoughts

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 (ESV)

I have the privilege of working for an international humanitarian aid organization, and on a daily basis, I get to see people in desperate situations receive the help they need. Conversations revolving around topics like war, violence, and refugees are common in our office. But recently we had a morning devotion about another type of war — the war in our minds.

Our minds are not immune to the battle of good versus evil. Since the devil comes to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10), thoughts can creep in that take our minds off God’s goodness and faithfulness.

But, praise God, we serve the One who has already won the war over evil.

Lord, the battle in our minds is a war that sometimes can feel overwhelming. But we know You are more powerful. We know You are in control and have sent the Holy Spirit to be our advocate. Help us to daily put on the full armor of God. Please remind us of Your faithfulness and fill us with Your peace.

A co-worker of mine uses a visualization exercise to remind him that we have instant access to God’s power when the war in our minds feels overwhelming. When he lies in bed at night with restless thoughts, he told me that he thinks of a little soldier fitted with armor and armed with the sword of the spirit taking his thoughts captive and marching them out of his mind.

What a great picture of how we can pray to God to free us from the burden of anxious thoughts. The next time I lie awake anxious or fearful, I’m going to try to imagine a victorious solider empowered by God marching away with my anxious thoughts.

Ephesians 6:10-18 details the armor of God and how we can stand against the schemes of the devil. We can place on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11