How Your Thoughts Can Hold You Captive
In Pastor Kyle Idelman’s series “Every Thought Captive,” he reveals how your thoughts restrict you in a ‘stronghold’ from repetitive patterns. It made me think of my own thoughts and why events in my life haven’t moved forward. Now I understand. In my thoughts, I believe my life will never change. My financial situation, which has been an ongoing struggle, continues to dive. I find myself asking God, when will it end? Why do I continue to struggle? Why is life so hard?
These thoughts were silenced when I heard on a Christian radio station a woman referencing a time in her life where she had no job, couldn’t pay her rent and was receiving eviction notices. Her thoughts full of fear she’d be homeless. She was frustrated when God didn’t answer her prayers the way she wanted Him to. Then realized she was laser focused on fear, her desires, and not surrendering everything to God. She acted and developed a plan based on positive thoughts and outcomes, and her life changed.
In prayer time with God and His Son, Jesus, I receive these messages repeatedly, trust in me, surrender your all to me, you’re holding back. After hearing Pastor Kyle’s explanation on the stronghold of our thoughts and this woman’s story, it revealed how thought patterns can mold choices, behaviours, and actions, without being aware of the consequences. My goal, like the woman’s, (I apologize I didn’t get her name), led me to a soulful conversation with the Lord to develop a plan to transform my thoughts:
Romans 12:2
“... be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”
It’s through confession, and surrender, God heals the mind. A process that evolves overtime as God’s gentle hand molds you to be the person He perceives. He knows the goodness in your heart, what you’re capable of, and it’s up to you, to not question, but to follow. The Holy Spirit revealed to me...
“Be Yourself so I can guide you.”
The problem is being bound to a habitual routine and trusting God to break the chains. Although negative thoughts keep you frozen, to let go, can be difficult, as it’s how you function daily. It’s a step of awareness to recognize the thoughts, which are from the enemy, keeping you from believing without doubt, God is there for you.
How do you change this thought process?
Gratitude.
In my Rejoice Journal, I explain the benefits of a gratitude list:
The Bible encourages in 1 Thessalonians 5:18:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
It’s proven in research from the University of California, Davis, that gratitude practices can improve your emotional and physical health. Rejoicing in the goodness of God transforms you from the inside out and aligns your spirit with God’s truth which can lead to healing.
A Gratitude list is meant to lift you up and rejoice in God’s provision in your life. It can range from being grateful for rich soils farmers cultivate to grow nourishment to soft silky sheets you wrap yourself in as you fall into slumber, to the abundance of fruit trees and fireflies that glow in the night, to stars in the night sky that ablaze your eyes with wonder at the vastness of God’s creation. It’s a time to devout to God’s greatness and how He moves in your life with His provision, grace, and love.
To add to the Gratitude List is a Love List, where you list everything, you love in life. The combination of these two exercises is how you invite the truth of God into your life and renew your mind. To reach a point where you no longer doubt or question God’s purpose.
Although you have dreams and aspirations, those dreams may not align with God’s plan. This can be disheartening, however, no matter what you encounter in life, God wants you to trust in Him. Trust His love which has been poured out by the sacrifice of His only Son. Trust His mercy, devotion, patience, understanding, and the endless love He has for you. He reminds me of this every time I pray with Him.
“I have loved you from the beginning and will always love you. Walk with the grace and light of my Son, who shines within you.”
“I created you out of immense love.”
“You are so loved. I am with you always—in the shadows, shining my Glory for you to see.”
“You are loved more than you know.”
I never doubt God’s love for me.
I know He will never leave me.
Hebrews 13:5
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
It’s me that runs from Him with my thoughts fuelled by the enemy with fear, doubt and lack of faith.
I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time to fight back. To allow God to renew your mind by being grateful and showing God how much He is loved.
That’s why I created the Rejoice Journal—to praise and worship the Lord, with tools to renew your mind. To focus on celebrating His goodness, show your appreciation and how you love what He’s placed in and around your life.
The Prayer Journals are available as a digital download at my ETSY Store, Archway Designs by CFC Studios.
However, if you’re struggling with repetitive thought patterns, this list was created to help fight the lies and is included as a FREE bonus with a copy of the Rejoice Journal.
We live in a world of spiritual warfare, but the real battle is your mind. Your thoughts can motivate, encourage, lift you up, but can also be destructive. Like daggers or sweet sentiments, it can break or make you.
All thoughts have a root and a beginning. Without healing, it will grow. Create thoughts that don’t honor God. To ignore it will only allow it to fester, and consequences can leave your heart hardened.
Awareness is key to recognizing these thoughts, identifying the root, and praying with the Lord to heal the hurt and pain associated with it. A process that leans on guidance above and walking away from being bound to it on earth.
It’s the calling of living a Christian life.
To focus on the Lord.
To seek His Face.
To not lean on your own understanding.
To trust in God.
To walk in faith.
Let’s Pray,
Dear Lord,
Help to me to understand the root cause that triggers negative thoughts and takes me away from you. Heal me from this pain, anguish, trauma, that separates me from you. Fill me with your peace so I can be a shining example of your love, compassion and forgiveness.
Heal my thoughts and make me whole by resting in your word and seeking you in everything I do.
In the Name of Jesus
Amen
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. It also highlights other areas to inspire and encourage Christians in their walk of faith.
Prayer Journals
To help you in your journey, I created Prayer Journals, to build a closer bond with Christ Jesus.
As you grow in your faith, it’s important to dedicate time to be with God in prayer, a quiet space to meet with Him, and invite Him into your daily thoughts. In doing so, you will experience His peace and presence in every aspect of your life.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was time to fulfill my dream.
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 fine art available for wall décor.
