Just because an evil, worrisome thought pops into your head doesn’t mean you have to think that thought through. This can be easier said than done because even the Christians who can properly decern when the devil is talking to them will still, at times, listen and allow his lies to overtake what the Lord said about a situation.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
Invest time in faith, not fears.
The longer we ponder the enemy’s lies, the more our faith weakens, and his stronghold strengthens. Of course, we can’t stop the devil’s illegal suggestions (wicked thoughts) from entering our heads; no more than we can prevent birds from flying over our heads, but it is within our control not to give time to every thought.
Not until recently, I felt defeated whenever I found myself worrying, but the Holy Spirit brought to my attention that for the past two weeks, I was casting down those illegal suggestions. Because as soon as I realized one of the devil’s lies had entered my head, I vetoed it immediately and replaced it with what the Lord said about the matter. And the times when I couldn’t recall a verse to quote, or a personal word from the Holy Spirit to cast it down with, I just called: Jesus! What a relief when the Lord revealed that to me. Those two weeks of consciously taking control of my thinking will eventually become how my thoughts are processed in the future.
Why trade God’s peace for the devil’s torment?
A measuring rod of spiritual growth:
- How much time do you allow the enemy’s frightening thoughts to linger in your head?
- Do you give those thoughts less time now than you did a year ago?
Remember, you don’t have to think about every thought—choose what you think—wisely.
© 2022
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.