I love the human mind and how we can literally convince ourselves we are invincible. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.
When we see something that we think might be fun or exciting, for example, jumping off a roof into a pool (we have all seen those videos), we forget all that is logical and think we are capable and will walk away injury free.
The mind plays such an important role in all that we do because, in order for us to do something, we have to think about it first.
One of the most recurring pieces of biblical advice my Dad told me all throughout my life was ‘take your thoughts captive’. When I first heard this, I was dealing with fears and learning to take captive the things others would speak over me.
Control
I had never thought about taking my thoughts captive so earnestly as I do now that I am an adult, facing more and more responsibility as the days go on.
The things I allow my mind to think of, how I can let it control my thoughts, feelings, and ultimately my actions; this kind of repetitious human trait is one that I must learn to take control of.
We have all had those moments where we ignore all form of reason and put action to our unthought-out-thought, however, how can we stand by and continually let this kind of habit endure?
Taking control of your thoughts is difficult, and it is not something we can change on a step-by-step basis. Though having a plan of action can be a good and healthy thing to do, a patient awaiting and reliance on God is what is ultimately required.
Think on good things
I have found that every time a thought comes into my head that is not from God or I know I should not dwell on; I rebuke it in Jesus name and think on good things.
The Bible, in Philippians chapter four verse eight says, ‘Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.’
This sounds lovely, but the power within this action absolutely exceeds all things. We have power in our prayers, in our voice, and in our hearts when we call out to God to help us and relieve us of the heavy burden of bad thought.
Hebrews chapter four verse 12 says, ‘For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.’
Bad thoughts corrupt our minds, puncturing our good and godly thoughts and mindset. God specifically instructs us to think on good things, because he knows having a good mindset will allow us to prosper.
The power of the mind
I am currently reading a book called Switch on your brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf, and it is all about finding the key to peak happiness, thinking, and health. Dr. Leaf speaks about our thoughts and how they have power over the way we perceive certain things, understand certain things, and how our brain ultimately develops.
She says (page 33), ‘Our brain is changing moment by moment as we are thinking. By our thinking and choosing, we are redesigning the landscape of our brain.’
Dr. Leaf also goes on to say (Page 33), ‘You are free to make choices about how you focus your attention, and this affects how the chemicals and proteins and wiring of your brain change and function.’
The power of the mind is incredible, but even though it seems like a complicated motion of resistance to reduce bad thought and replace it with the good, we are ultimately the only one who can change our own thoughts.
Here are a few tips on how to start removing a bad mindset, and replacing it and training your brain to think on good things:
1. Rebuke the thought, in Jesus name.
2. Speak out good, godly, and lovely thoughts.
3. Take your thoughts captive and train your brain to think only on good things, reflecting on good things, and taking your focus off the bad.
2 Corinthians chapter 10, verse five says, ‘We 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.’
Once we begin to focus on the good, and actively pursue a good and godly mindset, most of our troubles, worries, fears, false accusations and expectations will look very small compared to what they used to be.
Cartia Moore is a sword fighter, trained and skilled in the art of fencing. She has recently graduated from her Bachelor of Arts degree and has completed an Honours in Screen & Media Studies. She is now going on to do a Master of Teaching (Secondary), focusing in the teaching areas of English and Film studies. She is passionate and driven to inspire and encourage others to seek and find their worth and value in Him.
Cartia Moore’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cartia-moore.html