Communication: How do you take your thoughts captive?

Whether our thoughts are from the devil or from our flesh, we need to decide not to dwell on negative thoughts. We need to choose not to take action on those thoughts. We must realize our thoughts are NOT just a part of our character we can’t control. We DO have power over our thoughts!

How do we take our thoughts captive? First, we recognize that we are human. We are born with a sinful nature and need to crucify that nature and rid ourselves of fleshly thoughts, daily. We are not alone in these struggles. The Bible includes endless stories about wonderful people of God who continually battled the desires of their flesh.

Then, we need to make a conscious effort to stop those negative thoughts. Immediately halt the thoughts by turning your mind to something productive. Start reading your Bible and/or begin to pray. Ask God to help you take those thoughts captive. Sing praise music! (That is the biggest deterrent to the devil!)

When battling with the devil, we need to speak out loud to him. We need to rebuke him “in the name of Jesus”. (Speaking “in the name of Jesus” is an absolute way to make the devil flee.) He can’t hear our thoughts, but he hears what we say. He won’t stick around if you’re quoting bible verses and singing praises to God.

Because the devil hears what we say, he then knows what to plant in our minds to sidetrack us from the will of God. He knows our vulnerable areas from what we talk about all the time, another reason it is important to watch what you say. While your words may not affect another person, the old devil is standing by listening to them, plotting his next scheme to foul up your life!

Eventually, the devil will tire of your persistent efforts to rebuke his attacks and move on. He’ll be back, though, with something else to throw at your mind when you aren’t watching. If you are unable to free yourself from adverse thoughts, you may want to seek the help of a mature Christian or a pastor.

Divorce begins in your mind as a thought.  It’s what you do with that thought that determines the outcome for your marriage.  

One of the most important things you can do to keep the flame burning in your marriage and keep the negative, divorce-leading thoughts at bay, is to remind yourselves, often, what attracted you to each other and why you fell in love.  Focus on the positive qualities of your spouse that you love, and reminisce regularly about your pre-marriage days together and wonderful memories you share.  Let your thoughts dwell on this and you will see positive changes in your marriage!

Philippians 4:8 - “If there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”