Taking My Thoughts Captive {and a printable of God’s promises}

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about trusting in God and I spoke of God’s promises.  Today I wanted to tell you about another area I am struggling with (because maybe you have too?)…

Have you heard the term “stinkin’ thinkin’”? It almost always makes me laugh a little inside. Even when I am experiencing stinkin’ thinkin’, which, if I’m honest, is much more often than I want.

“…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ…”  2 Corinthians 10:5

Do you struggle to control your thoughts and take them captive like I do? Maybe it’s a specific area of your thoughts: fear, worry, envy, or coveting another woman’s things.

Or maybe it’s just plain old unpleasant, unkind, unhelpful thoughts. Thoughts like:

 ”I can’t believe she’s helping with worship again, her outfits are always unflattering and she can’t sing very well.”

“I know he wants to play football this year, but what if he gets hurt.  I read about another boy who played football.  He got a concussion and ended up dying.  I just couldn’t handle that.  He’ll have to find another sport.”

“She always has something new.  New curtains.  A new sweater.  New remodel.  I never have anything new.  And her taste is so good.  When I do buy new stuff, it’s never that cute.”

“The day never goes as planned.  I never get anything done.  I can’t even get the laundry folded.  Why do I even try?”

“She is sooo unkind. I am so hurt that she said that to me. She is always being mean to me AND, so are the other ladies in that group. AND my kids have been so tough today, they are simply not listening. AND the house is a complete disaster because I haven’t had a second to clean. AND I’m late because the car is almost out of gas. AND my husband just called to say he’s going to be late.  AND…”

(That last example is classic. Did you ever notice that once you get on a roll it’s hard to change the course of that stinkin’ thinkin’? Things just keep getting worse and worse. I can go on a downward spiral that seemingly has no end.)

Sometimes I feel justified. I really have been hurt by someone dear. I really am overwhelmed and feeling like I can’t possibly get everything done that needs to be done. My heart really is broken by a tragedy or someone else’s actions. I am sorrowful, anxious, and not really able to do anything for myself. Have you been there, friend?

God knows. He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and in His wisdom, He makes it easy for me to change my thoughts. He knows that it is hard and that I can, at times, barely pick up my Bible. I just need to spend a little time when I catch myself in those ungodly thoughts.

Easy Ways to get some Healthy Thinking

1. Worship Music

I haven’t always had a vast supply of worship music at my fingertips, but I recently found Groove Shark. It’s free!  I can make my own playlists from a huge music library and play them over and over on the computer.  Of course, you can always buy CDs or download the music from iTunes too!

Some of my current worship faves via YouTube:

Coffey Anderson:  All Ye and Free (guaranteed pick-me-ups!)

Kristian Stanfill: Always

Be Thou My Vision sung by Alison Krauss

2. God’s promises {printable}.

If you are currently in the throes of stinkin’ thinkin’, here’s another easy way out. When we are trapped in stinkin’ thinkin’, we’re focusing on less than edifying things. I can focus on God’s promises and know that although I may be hurting or angry, God has it all under His wings. He promises so many things to me, that as I focus on them I can rest in His protection and plan.

I’ve made it easy by listing some of my favorite promises here in this printable. Just print it out and keep it with you all day. When your thoughts stray from Him, pull out the promises.

Or, you can spend some of your prayer time writing these promises out on note cards, I have done this and keep the cards with me as I move around the house. They would be very easy to keep in a desk at work.

3.  Listen to straight Scriptures

If you have a smartphone or iPad you can download an app that will read the Bible aloud to you.  This can be a great way to fall asleep with our heads filled with God’s words.

You Version for Android

You Version for iPhone

You can also listen to it on your computer through Bible Gateway (one of my favorite sites!)

Our trials are real and our hearts can be wounded and hurting.  I know that it is hard work to follow God’s guidance and keep our thoughts pure.  But I also know that with Him all things are possible.

With man this is impossible, but with God allthings are possible.  Matthew 19:26

What are some ways you have found to “take your thoughts captive” and get rid of stinkin’ thinkin’?

This post was shared at:
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• Titus 2sday
• Domestically Divine
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