Imagine a pro-wrestler who allows their opponent to win because they forget one of rules of engagement. Or an Olympian swimmer who wears the wrong swimsuit and gets disqualified. This is us when we chose to allow our thoughts to run rampant instead of taking them captive. We are well able to win but we do not for lack of attention or focus on the fight at hand! If we are captivated by the world, social media, or winning others approval we can not captivate our opponent.

Take captive: You may or may not have heard this term. When I think of this phrase, the image of a wrestler or fighter comes to mind. Someone who is on alert, fully committed to fighting, and wins a battle to take captive their opponent. The word captive means held prisoner to or kept in confinement or restraint. Who is our opponent? Or in our case, what is our opponent? Our thoughts!

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take captive our thoughts to make them obedient to Christ. Our mindset and ability to recognize when an idea is not of God and replace it with truth makes all the difference in being able to take our thoughts captive. We are called to have the mind of Christ (1 Corin 2:16). In Christ, as daughters and heirs, we have been given the authority and power to demolish lies, and reclaim the truth. We give the devil a leg up for his next attack every time we let the lie win.

Here are 7 tips to help you overcome the lies that hold you back and regain control of your thoughts!

7 Easy Tips:

1. Know the Word of God and apply it to all situations.

   • Know God’s Word is Truth and memorize it so it is handy when you need it.

   •  The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. It is sharper than any sword and is powerful (Hebrews 4:12).

   •  Identify the lie and unhealthy thought pattern, then pray for God to show you verses to replace it with. Use those verses as a weapon.

2.  Speak words of life, not death over yourself and others. 

   • Our unhealthy thinking patterns can sometimes become second nature, perhaps even a default reaction that we can’t identify.

   •  Ask God to reveal to you what areas you believe a lie in and repent.

   • Ask Him to help you to sprout new growth over an area that was dead.  

3. Put visual reminders of truth front and center in your life. 

   • An example could be, finding verses on being made in the image of God and putting the verses on every mirror. 

   • Make note cards with verses that specifically target areas you need to fill with truth and post them up around your house. 

   • My favorite strategy is taking verses or words of truth to speak over myself, writing them in my notes app on my phone, and then using them as my lock screen or background.

   4. Refocus your mind and spirit through worship. 

   • Worship redirects the atmosphere of our minds and brings God’s presence closer.

   •  Psalm 71:14 says, “I will praise you more and more..” Praise is a weapon that slashes negativity and lies. 

   • Remember to thank Him specifically for what He has done in the past, is doing right now, and will do in the future.

   5. Get busy and distract your mind from intrusive thoughts or emotions. 

   • Don’t allow yourself to sit and wallow in your thoughts all day. Take a few moments to write out your thoughts and emotions if you want, then move your body. 

   • Find a distraction that works for you. Do a puzzle, take a walk, bake, anything that moves you from a place of negativity to positivity 

   • Get up in power and leave the lie in the dust. Declare that it is finished and find something else to do to get your mind off your thoughts

   6. Surround yourself with a community to reach out to when you struggle. 

   • Don’t do life alone. One of the biggest lies is that we are better alone. God made us to be a united body of Christ who supports each other.

   • Pray for each other, and let others in on what you’re struggling with. (Proverbs 27:9) 

   • Find someone you can reach out to when you need support; even a simple “Help, I’m struggling, I need prayer and company” can make all the difference.

   7. Pray: Out loud, in your head, on paper, in the Spirit, in all the ways. 

   • Start each day by praying from a place of victory and power. 

   • Remember that the battle has already been won. God is fighting with you and you can experience freedom. 

   • Remember to listen when you pray. Leave room for God to respond to you.

We get to take those lies swirling around in our heads, lock them up as a prisoner, and demolish their power. The Woman at War curriculum is an excellent resource for some anointed and targeted prayer for specific topics, this is one resource I pull from often. Their workbook, groups, and Facebook group, have tons of special prayers that can be applied to many situations. I’ve taken theirs and written my own, tailoring them to my own situations. This is one of my favorite tools! I highly recommend this resource. It can feel intimidating to know where to start in the beginning, so I leave you today with a snippet of a prayer I use daily to realign my mind with the truth of God.

Pray this with me: “Lord show me the truth that I so desperately need today. Expose the lies that I am not even aware I believe, and keep me focused on the path you want me to walk. Father, I lift the confidence that You are good against every lie or assault of the enemy. Defend me from all assaults against my mind, heart, and body. Show me specifically today your Truth that I need to overcome the lies of the enemy. Bring your Truth to mind throughout the day and let me claim my authority and power in you to win the battle. Help me walk in step with you and have the mind of Christ.”

Be encouraged, my friends, and know you’re not alone in this fight. Fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1).

Hugs,

Emma (Echo Intern)

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