4 Steps in Winning the Battle of your Mind
‘You have the power to change your mind’
~Louis Giglio
This is a second blog highlighting the teachings of Pastor Louis Giglio and his book Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind.
I used to always awaken with negative thoughts whirling in my mind like a spinning cyclone that had no end. Thoughts of what I’d say to someone, showing myself as authoritative and putting a person in their place. Or negative thoughts against myself, how I’m a loser, fat, and worthless. How life has no hope and will never change. That my life is cursed, or why are others blessed and I’m not.
These thoughts are damaging, consuming, like a freight train, speeding through your mind, that grips you in a state of disillusionment, as you fabricate scenarios based on lies.
I was stuck in an endless whirlpool of how I was a victim in a challenging marriage where there was no way out. All I wanted was peace and found myself strongly attracted to new age theories where you are what you think. I’d repeat countless affirmations to change my thought patterns so I could rise about the negativity that left me oppressed and to a pattern of addiction with sugar. Each time a negative thought entered, I’d counteract with a thought, “I’m worthy”, or “I’m open to divine guidance to shine its light upon me.”
For six years, I continued with new age practices, instead of giving me the peace I thirsted, it invited darkness. I was attacked with blasphemous thoughts that plagued me each second to the point I thought I was going crazy. It was only by stepping out of my comfort zone and asking Jesus for help, the thoughts ended instantly, (my testimony).
We embark on this journey of life, believing our thoughts are our own. However, it’s the perfect opportunity for the enemy to convince you to do things you don’t want to do or believe in something that isn’t mentally or spiritually healthy.
In Louis Giglio’s book, he identifies 4 steps to help you fight the enemy and win the battle of your mind.
The first step is to identify where the thought came from or why.
One of the main reasons our negative thoughts can run rampant, is the fear of missing out. It can make you doubt yourself, build false resentments, and envy. It can lead to you acting out of character to feel included. It’s so easy to fall into this trap, which I did on Sunday at church.
I recently joined a new group at church and was shown where they meet for coffee between services. As we approached the table, there were two women conversing. They didn’t pause in their conversation to welcome us at the table. We sat down, they continued with their conversation, and my heart sank, with feelings I wasn’t worthy, and how these ladies have known each other for a long time, and I’m an outsider.
I sat for about 5 minutes, then rose to leave. One of the women apologized and asked where I was going. The thought of leaving and feeling unwanted had overcome me. I allowed it to win not just in my mind but in my heart. I made up a legitimate excuse and left.
I identified the thought; however, I didn’t consider whether it was congruent with God’s word. His word teaches us to overcome the enemy. It’s built on trust and encourages us to build relationships with like-minded people. If you immerse yourself in the word, thoughts and feelings of unworthiness are replaced with patience, understanding, and wisdom.
Proverbs 7:4
Say to wisdom, “you are my sister, and call understanding your intimate friend.”
Proverbs 9:10-11
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
By equipping yourself with the word, you can rely on it to overcome negative thoughts. It’s important to note, the enemy only needs a crack, a tiny speck to enter your thoughts and drag you down. Wisdom and understanding are key to overcoming these thoughts.
To be in the present and aware of your thoughts can be a challenge, especially if you’re a person whose thoughts are like a tug of war battling various scenarios at once. Even then, you need to take charge and make these thoughts obedient to God’s word. To win the battle, organize your thoughts and keep this verse in mind:
You have the power to demolish strongholds with the power of the word and by saying “in Jesus’ name, I rebuke these thoughts.” If the thoughts are from a relationship, ask in Jesus’ name to break soul ties with that person.
It’s the act of recognizing this authority when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior that enables you to fight the battle of the mind. Take the authority. Demolish thoughts that don’t align with God’s word. Don’t give in.
John 6:8-35
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
Jesus claimed the words of scripture in His battle with Satan when he travelled 40 days and nights in the dessert. Satan tempted Him and His replies were verbatim from scripture. It’s how you defeat the enemy—in the wisdom of the words.
You need to think and walk in the word.
Isaiah 46:4
I have made you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
It’s in living the scripture, acting and walking in that truth you’ll be sustained and protected.
Actions you can take:
Learn to tune into your thoughts, as it can impact your behavior and relationships.
Listen to songs of worship, read scripture, and rebuke the thought in the Name of Jesus.
Be consistent in trusting Jesus to be there when you need Him.
You are God’s miracle.
Rely and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It’s placing your faith and trust in God’s words, you become the victor, not the defeated.
God Bless,
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal, but I did it!
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or nature available for wall décor.
