Condemning Thoughts

...He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning,
and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.
When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources,

for he is a liar and the father of it.

John 8:44 (NKJV)

Do you ever question if you’re good enough? Are you more likely to dwell on what’s wrong with you than what’s right?

Me too. One day I was scrutinizing myself to find out what my problem was, but the more I picked myself apart, the more it dawned on me: Another voice was egging me on. It was the voice of the enemy, Satan. As I listened to his lies, they zapped my sense of worth and security.

For a long time, I didn’t recognize the enemy for who he was. The negative thoughts and deceitful suggestions sounded like my own voice.

Now I see that from the start, Satan’s goal has always been to trick and deceive God’s people. The Bible opens with a serpent who slithered into the lives of Adam and Eve and filled their heads with lies they believed, lies that separated them from God. John 8:44 tells us Satan "was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

This liar also tempted Jesus. Our Savior was always ready, though, to defeat the evil one. In Matthew 4:1-11, He did it with the Word of God, countering Satan with, “It is written …” (NIV).

We, too, have this weapon in our arsenal. As we fill our hearts and minds with Scripture, we can defeat the lies we tell ourselves and the lies Satan and his dark forces whisper in our thoughts.

When I compare my negative thoughts to God's Word, the differences amaze me:

I think, I’m lost.
God’s Word says He watches my paths and establishes my ways
(Proverbs 5:21; Proverbs 4:26).

I think, No one loves me.
God’s Word says He loves me more than life
(John 3:16).

I think, I’m ugly.
God’s Word says I’m wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14).

I think, I’m alone, and no one understands me.
God’s Word says He will never leave me and He has plans for my life
(Deuteronomy 31:6; Jeremiah 29:11).

I think, I’m just not good enough.
God’s Word says I was created in His image
(Genesis 1:26-27).

When the enemy tries to slither in with false accusations, we must be ready to combat him with what God’s Word says about us. To get started, evaluate your thoughts and pray for wisdom to distinguish the voice of the enemy. Condemning thoughts that steal your confidence in who you are in Christ aren’t from God.

Let’s commit to renew our minds with the Word of God each day and replace those worn-out, destructive lies with His Truth.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your life-giving Truth. Please fill me with Your Word so I can live in freedom and confidence! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Melissa Taylor
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

When Negative Thoughts Run Your Life

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

I knew they were there, but I tried to ignore them and deny their existence.

They controlled how I felt in the morning and when I went to sleep. They often caused my emotions to feel out of control, making me feel out of control too.

They dictated how I reacted to situations or conversations. They often made me feel offended, angry, or hurt, whether or not it was truly justified. They never ceased to remind me of my shortcomings and flaws, making me feel inferior and without value, and they constantly tried to pull me down with discouragement or hopelessness, stealing my peace and joy.

What are “they,” you ask?

My thoughts.

Life had been tough for many months due to a painful situation in my marriage, and as a result, negative thoughts were running my life.

I didn’t want to feel sad or unhappy, but my thoughts stayed consumed with all the things that made me sad and unhappy. I didn’t want to feel discouraged or fearful, but my heart was heavy.

My negative thoughts were weighing down not only my emotions but my outlook on life. I felt as if I were sinking mentally, emotionally, and at times spiritually.

Todays key verse gives us wise advice on dealing with our thoughts: “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).

This passage was written by King Solomon for the benefit of his own sons. As I read Proverbs 4, I notice that although Solomon was the king of Israel, he didn’t just advise his sons about royal matters like how to handle money, job responsibilities, or leading the kingdom. Instead he spoke here of the value of controlling their thoughts, which would determine how his sons felt and lived.

The quality of our thoughts will always determine the quality of our lives.

Whatever our minds focus on will shape what plays out in our lives and who we become. Our thoughts and feelings have more power than we may realize, gradually steering us - and possibly our faith - in a direction we may not want to go. King Solomon knew it’s often our thoughts, not just our circumstances, that cause us to sink, and his scriptures counsel us to be careful about what we think and feel.

When I realized my thoughts were running my life, I admitted to Jesus how I had allowed emotionally fueled thoughts to sink my joy, hope, and faith. I asked Him to remind me of His Truth that says I can be positive even if my circumstances aren’t.

As He helped me intentionally change my thoughts, my life changed as well. And so can yours.

Dear Lord, at times I feel as if I’m sinking in my attitude, my thought patterns, and even my faith. Forgive me for letting negativity have power over how I feel, think, and live. Fill me with hope today. Give me wisdom to control my attitude, and help me learn to transform my thoughts, heart, and life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Tracie Miles

Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

See Wonders Around You

So much of life depends on what we focus on. If we focus on the negative, the problems that plague our day, that’s what will dominate our emotions and thoughts.

When we focus only on what’s going wrong, it feels like everything is going wrong, doesn’t it?

And when everything is going wrong, what’s the point in trying? It’s pointless to keep moving forward day after day. (At least, that’s what we tell ourselves, isn’t it?)

But the truth is that it’s a choice to let our problems command our focus. Don’t let that condemn you. Rather, let it free you…

Let it free you to focus on something else. Something better and more beautiful.

Let us allow the Holy Spirit to gently take our hands and lead us to that better and more beautiful place. He wants to teach us, if we’re willing, to shift our focus from ourselves to him. From our problems to his presence.

Because he is here, with you, with us, right now.

Will we see him? Will we see the wonders he’s doing around us and in us?

He’s here to teach us. So lean in to hear what Holy Spirit is saying...

The Message

“It is difficult to persevere when your focus is on your problems. It is difficult to have energy, be excited, have momentum, make any forward movement that feels like it matters, when the focus is purely on you. The colors in the room where you are now … do you see them? The sky I painted for you, the air I breathed for you … the cool breeze on your skin, the rhythm of waking and sleeping, eating and resting, playing and working, I have made all these things for you.

“But do you see them? Do you hear me, see me, feel me calling your name - in all things, everywhere, everywhere you go?

“When you realize everything I have made is for you, you can actually forget yourself. When you let my love fill you so there is no room for anything else, you inhabit the world differently. You see and hear and speak differently than you did before, because you are different. When I fill you, you are never again who you were before.

“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath now. And then another. Rest now. Rest. I am here. I have you. I know all that you are facing, all that you are holding. I see deeper, wider, and I know what is ahead. I know how you will need me then. I know how you need me now. Don’t shut down now. Don’t give up. You are not alone. You don’t have to go through this life alone. I am here. I have always been here. I am not leaving you. I am the one you can count on. In all the pain, all the heartache, all the regret.

“You are made of noble blood, the blood of the king inside you. You are inheriting the kingdom that will ever end, never weaken, never falter, never grow colorless or cold or dark. I am in the light. I am in the dark. I hold your broken heart and I breathe life into it. Stand up now, child. There is life in you. Take that step. I am holding you up to take it, and the next one too. Watch what happens when you do.”

Relax In Every Circumstance

Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

As an operating room nurse, I worked alongside a team that ensured that sterile surgical procedures took place. Before each procedure began, we searched for, identified and eliminated even the smallest impurities that could contaminate the sterile field.

This care and intention minimizes the risk of infection for the patient, protects the surgical staff from exposure to potential illness, and reduces complications so that patients can heal and recover quickly. But these techniques also make me wonder what it would look like if we applied the same attention to detail to keeping stress and worry from contaminating our lives.

Could we scrub away our stress more effectively if we immediately called out to God (Psalm 118:5)?

What if we allowed ourselves to be vulnerable, sharing our pains and heartaches with the “team” of people in our lives so we could carry each other’s burdens instead of suffering alone (Galatians 6:2)?

What would happen if we searched for, identified and eliminated the chaotic, negative and untrue thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5) that could contaminate our days before we even rise from our beds each morning?

How much faster would we heal and recover from our worries and fears if we cast all our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7)?

In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” God’s Word reminds us that no matter what we are facing, we can relax in Him in every circumstance.

God is fully aware of your stresses and challenges, and He has gifted you perfect peace — a sense of spiritual serenity that isn’t fleeting or dependent upon external factors and that cannot be taken away by worldly circumstances.

When stress, anxiety, burdens and fear attempt to contaminate your life, you can cry out to God, cast every care upon Him, and then relax, knowing He cares for you. Your hope and reassurance in Christ go beyond what this world can offer.

Today, fix your mind on Jesus, regularly communicating with God through prayer and meditation, surrendering to Him and relying on His power to navigate you through every situation. With His help, you can cultivate and experience perfect peace and enjoy God’s loving presence in your life.

Father God, thank You for Your divine, perfect peace and for welcoming me, even when I feel stressed and burdened, with open arms. No matter what I’m facing, I know I can relax and trust You with it all. Thank You for the gift of Your love and presence in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Tracie Braylock

Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Prayer: For The Hurting

 

Head Protection

Scripture:

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” - Ephesians 6:16-18

Reflect:

What should we do when negative, destructive thoughts assault us? 

A friend of mine recently told me a story about her struggle with anxiety. She said it feels like her mind is under attack. All of these untrue, destructive thoughts just pop into her mind over and over again. Like Satan is throwing fiery darts of lies at her head. Have you ever experienced this? 

The fact is, we are under attack. But Ephesians 6:12 says that our battle is not physical. It is spiritual. There is a war going on and we need to defend ourselves and fight back. And much of this battle takes place in the mind.

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul reminds us that God has not left us defenseless against the enemy. He says to stand firm and put on the whole armor of God. He lists out several pieces of armor. When we get to today’s verses, Paul assures us that the shield of faith can extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one - the lies the enemy throws at us. Your faith in God can protect you so Satan’s lies are not able to penetrate your mind. Your faith shield also has the power to put out the fire! 

The helmet of salvation is also key in defeating destructive thoughts. Satan’s lies may be trying to get you to doubt that God will save you. Don’t let Satan mess with your head. Put your helmet on! Remember that your salvation is secure in Christ and that there is nothing Satan can do to change that. 

In addition to our defensive suit of armor, God gave us an offensive weapon. The sword of the Spirit is His Word. How are we supposed to wield it? 2 Corinthians 10:5 says: “We destroy arguments, and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” With God’s Word, we can demolish the deceitful arguments and faulty opinions that mess with our minds and with the minds of others. When we speak the Word of God, we speak the truth and destroy the enemy's attempt to deceive us. 

Finally, God has given us one more way to protect ourselves from the lies of the enemy and that is prayer. Prayer helps us guard our minds because it shifts our focus from our circumstances and our destructive thoughts to God. When we pray, we meditate on who God is, what He’s done for us, and what He is capable of doing. And when we do that, we experience the peace of God. Isaiah 26:3 promises: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” 

Every day we have to put on the whole armor of God. We especially can’t forget our head protection! It has always been Satan’s strategy to use deceit to mess with our minds, trip us up, and wreak havoc in our spiritual lives. But God gave us what we need to defend ourselves and overcome. Use your shield of faith to block and extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts, put on your helmet of salvation and remember Who has saved you, wield your sword of the Spirit and speak His truth out loud. And pray, pray, pray. In Him, you can have victory over destructive thoughts. 

Pray:

Jesus, thank You for the protection of Your armor. Help me to use it to find victory over the battlefield of my mind. When I am under attack, bring Your Word to my mind so that I can destroy the lies of the enemy. Amen.

- Nat Crawford

Provided by “Back To The Bible”

Meme: You Are Not Alone...

Choosing To Love God Even When Life Hurts

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Several years ago, I endured one of the hardest seasons I have ever experienced. My heart ached, my head spun with worry and stress, and my fears of what the future held were crippling.

There were days I wasn’t motivated to keep going or get out of bed, and the tears wouldn’t cease. Days when I questioned God about heartbreak and suffering, the seeming unfairness of life, and unanswered prayers.

Yet one particular day, amid an especially trying problem, my heart changed in a moment of prayer. I heard myself say something to God that caught me off guard. It was just one simple statement that rolled effortlessly off of my lips:

I still love You, Lord.

As my mind swirled with hurt and negative thoughts, my soul swirled with my love for Him, even when I didn’t think it could. And I knew His love for me didn’t waver.

As Romans 5:8 says, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

When life is going well, it’s easier to love God and believe He loves us. But when life falls apart or an unexpected hardship hits, it’s not as easy. It might even feel impossible. Those feelings and doubts don’t make us bad people or failures as believers. They merely make us human.

The upside is these thoughts can force us to ask ourselves some difficult questions: Despite everything, will I still love Jesus with my whole heart, soul and mind, even though He allowed these circumstances to happen? Will I still believe He loves me and has good plans in store?

Our honest answers to these questions serve as an indicator of whether we love the Lord just in the good times or all the time - when He gives and when He takes away, when He answers our deepest prayers and when we feel like He isn’t listening at all.

Maybe you’re facing a difficult time, an unexpected hurt or a painful loss. Perhaps you’re wondering if God hears your prayers or if He has forgotten you. Or possibly you’ve been secretly doubting if He loves you and if you still love Him.

You aren’t alone. Even the most faithful followers of Jesus have times of doubting His love. Times when they wonder if His love is meant for them or just everyone else.

Those thoughts are from the enemy who wants to cloud our minds, make us bitter, and pull us away from God. But Scripture tells us God sent His Son to die for us - even though we were still sinners - because He loves us that much.

We are so blessed to have the love of God. Will you love Him no matter what?

 

Dear Lord, forgive me for doubting Your love for me. Help me to focus on Your everlasting love, push past my doubts, and love You unconditionally despite my circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Tracie Miles
Provided by “Proverbs 31 Ministries”

Redirecting Your Thoughts

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Psalm 32:8 (ESV)

What do you fixate on? Fixations are the things we constantly think about. They come out in our words, feelings and decisions. They are the focus of the books we read; the podcasts, websites and groups we search out; and the obsessions we pursue. It might be our weight, finances, worries over our kids or fear for our health … but something is absorbing our thoughts.

Here’s the thing: God has given us the power to interrupt this fixation! That’s what the Bible says, and it’s news we desperately need to hear. But how can we interrupt the downward spin?

The answer, at least in part, might lie in counseling, community or fasting - and certainly in prayer. For you and me both, the answer will center on God: His presence, power and grace. Every spiral can be interrupted. No fixation exists outside of God’s long-armed reach. As He says in our key verse, Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

God has given us power, tools and His Spirit to shift the spiral. When we’re willing to take the initiative in choosing different thoughts and choosing His Truth, some pretty cool stuff starts to unfold.

For one thing, when we think new thoughts, we physically alter our brains. We grow new neurons. We blaze new trails. When we think new thoughts, everything changes for us. What we think about, our brains become. What we fixate on is neurologically who we will be.
So who will you be? Tell me what you’re thinking about, in other words, and I’ll tell you who you are.

If we don’t like where we're going, we have the power to redirect our thoughts, reminding ourselves what is real and true, like a parent might do with a kid when they start losing it: “Kiddo, time out. I love you. You’re OK. You don’t have to panic. You can choose another way. You don’t have to be steamrolled by this.”

To redirect our thoughts, we first have to remind ourselves that change is possible. We have a choice! And the more often we grab hold of that truth, the easier it will be to interrupt our fixations and the downward spiral of our thoughts, leading them somewhere new.
You may find that some thoughts, once interrupted, will simply lose their power. God can do this. Other thoughts, however, may require daily, hourly or moment-by-moment capturing and redirecting. But even those thoughts can be captured and contained (2 Corinthians 10:5).
You can be set free. You can learn to “mind your mind.” The battle for your mind is won as you redirect and refocus on Jesus - every moment, every hour, every day.

Jesus, thank You for giving me a choice! Help me parent my mind well, with the same kind of love and compassion You give me. Lead me to choose what is true today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Jennie Allen
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Note:
For 100 days of power-packed devotions that will inspire you to stop toxic thinking patterns and remind you of God’s power to set you free, get a copy of Jennie Allen’s new devotional, Stop the Spiral Devotional: 100 Days of Breaking Free from Negative Thoughts.