Struggling with Thoughts?

Taking Control of Our Thoughts?

Controlling our thoughts is something that many Christians struggle with. We are bombarded at every turn with things that can lead our thoughts astray, especially in our age of technology. If not careful, it can be a gateway to sin. But how do we combat against and safeguard or thoughts? Proverbs 4:23 states that you should "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

God's Word tells us we should "keep" {continue to take control of} our heart with "all vigilance" {careful watch for possible dangers and difficulties}. We are to watch out for and take full control of our heart. The "heart" is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects our speech, sight and conduct. The "heart" commonly refers to the mind as the center of thinking and reasoning and includes the emotions as well as the will, thus the whole inner being. So, how do we keep our hearts? We are to be in God's Word so that when a sinful thought (a temptation) enters our mind, we will be able to recognize it for what it is. In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus shows us just how to do this. Jesus, while in the wilderness, was tempted by Satan. How did Jesus respond to Satan's temptations?  He responded with Scripture. Jesus relied on God's Word. With each temptation Satan hurled at Him, Jesus knew the exact Scripture to quote in response. Just as Jesus responded by quoting Scripture, we are to respond to temptation by quoting Scripture. This means that we will need to spend time reading and meditating on God's Word.

Making a daily habit of being in the Word in a meaningful way is essential for taking control of our thoughts in a biblical way. 
Taking control of our thoughts will take time and effort. Recognizing when temptation comes which of the Scriptures we can quote to combat that thought takes time spent in the Word of God. Find an area you know you struggle with the most. Then, respond by quoting Scripture that will help you combat the temptation. God has given us a way out! It's up to us to take it. 

Lord, thank you that you have given us a way out of temptation. Thank you for showing us how to flee from thoughts we struggle with. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path making a way when temptation comes for me to flee. It is by your Son, Jesus Christ, that I am made more than a conqueror over sin and death. Thank you for loving and protecting us. In Jesus name I pray. Amen