Thoughts are powerful, and according to the Solomon in (Proverbs 23:7), they have creative ability. “For as he thinks in his heart, SO IS HE…” If we are struggling with negative thinking, it’s important for us to come to the realization that our life won’t change until our thinking does. So, what do we do?
We must realize, “the WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE are not fleshly, but MIGHTY THROUGH GOD to the PULLING DOWN of STRONGHOLDS, casting down imaginations (λογίζομαι: a reasoning, thought) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST…” (2 Corin. 10:4-5) The very first thing we must realize is that we are in a WARFARE with Satan. He wants to CONTROL what we think! And he can do that if we try to overcome our negative thoughts with the power of positive thinking or any other “fleshly” method. Satan builds strongholds (ὀχύρωμα: strong-walled false arguments) in our minds. Like “you’ll never be able to do what God wants you to do” “you are not good enough” and many other negative or sinful thoughts.
When Jesus was confronted “the devil said to Him, “IF YOU ARE the Son of God, command this stone to become bread. Jesus answered, “IT IS WRITTEN: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.'” (Luke 4:3-4) This is the weapon that is, “MIGHTY THROUGH GOD” We must defend ourselves with the WORD OF GOD! Because it is, “…ALIVE and POWERFUL. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It EXPOSES our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Heb. 4:12)
Every morning when you wake up ask the Lord to give you a Word for the day, memorize that word, (I write it down and put it in my pocket). When the devil attacks you with a thought, speak that scripture against him over and over again. Knowing that “All Scripture is GOD–BREATHED (theopneustos)…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
-Bill Stockham