Captivating Thoughts
By Lisa Buffaloe
We all have them. Those thoughts that awaken us in the night or make us cringe in the light of day. They usually come out of thin air, at the worst times, and send our minds whirling
2 Corinthians 10:5 advises us to “…demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV).
However, once we take them prisoner, what do we do with them? They continue to torment us from behind their jail bars.
For decades the enemy kept me silent and locked tight in a lie. For those of you who know my past, some bad things happened (molested, raped, stalked…). And during those moments of trauma, my throat would close and I could not scream. The enemy planted a lie that if I ever told anyone he would again attack.
I lived in that terror for most of my life.The time finally came to give voice to my fear and place it completely in God’s hands. Out came the lie. I voiced that lie, stood it up in front of my prayer group, and we prayed to see God’s truth. Because anything the enemy wants you to keep in the darkness and hidden needs to be taken before God’s light.
Taking thoughts captive isn’t just about shoving them behind bars; it is exploring God’s truth and finding the reality of God’s might, power, forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Total freedom comes from, and in, God’s truth.
Knowing (truly knowing) God’s word demolishes the lies and bad thoughts.
The sword of the Spirit cuts off the enemy’s lies. “… Jesus said, If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. For I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute ” (John 8:31-32 NIV, Luke 21:15 NLT).
Pray, study, and learn, ask God to, “Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me …” (Psalm 43:3 NIV). Take every thought captive, wrap it in God’s truth, throw it out, smash it, destroy it, and live free. For, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NASB).
Remember, “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 MSG)
My voice is back. I can scream, but better than that, I can shout victory! Let’s wield our sword of the Spirit, and smash, demolish, and force those lies and bad thoughts to succumb to the power of our Most High God and Mighty Savior.
lives in Tennessee, USA. Is a writer, blogger, speaker, and happily-married mom.
Her difficult past experiences bless her with a backdrop to share about Gods unending love and that through Him we find healing, restoration, and renewal.
She is the author of Flying on His Wings, Unfailing Treasures Devotional, No Wound Too Deep For The Deep Love Of Christ, Living Joyfully Free Devotional (Vol 1 & 2), Nadia’s Hope, Prodigal Nights, and Grace for the Char-Baked.
lisabuffaloe.com
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