Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
Our thoughts hold more power than we give them credit. Your thoughts control your emotions, your emotions control your words, and your words control your world (proverbs 18:21). It all starts in our minds.
In 2 Corinthians Paul, states that he takes captive every thought and makes it obedient to Christ. Instead of letting our minds run wild, we are supposed to take captive every thought.
I’ve started asking myself, does this thought line up with what the Bible says? If I’m worried about finances, this indicates that my thoughts are disobedient to the truth that God will supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19). If I am worrying about sickness, then my thoughts are against the fact the Jesus took all disease on him at the cross (Matthew 8:17).
Untrue Thoughts Lead to Untrue Talk
If I start to allow untrue thinking, then my words will start to reflect those thoughts. “I don’t know how I’m going to pay that bill” “My throat is starting to hurt, so I must be getting sick.”
Now, I have just started speaking death over my situation instead of life. But if I instead; catch my thoughts the second, they form then I can rebuke them and not allow them to develop into defeating words.
Checking our thoughts is a constant battle but necessary to walk in what God has for us. If God has abundant life for us, then we can’t be thinking thoughts that are death. So how do we do this?
Put your Thoughts Through a Filter
We can use the introduction verse as a filter for our thoughts. If you are thinking about something that starts to consume you, use Philippians 4:8 to see if it should stay. Ask yourself if that thought is true. True, according to God’s word and not what someone else says. Is it lovely, pure, honorable, or commendable? If the answer is no, then stop thinking about it.
Say it out loud, if you need to,” I rebuke you thought in the name of Jesus because you are not true.”
Find a Replacement Thought
Now that you have the thought rebuked, you will then need to replace it. Again, refer to Philippians 4:8 and start thinking about something true, which is God’s word. Find scriptures that are the opposite of your thought and start meditating on them and speaking them out.
Is it that Simple?
It is that simple friend, but it isn’t; however, that easy. Controlling your thoughts takes great effort and a choice. You will have to create a consciousness around your thoughts, but the results will be worth it.
The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. We were given a helper in the form of the Holy Spirit. Ask him today to help you create a consciousness around your words and the dedication to rebuke every lie that forms in your mind.
Referenced Verses:
.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A8+&version=NASB
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18%3A21&version=NASB
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A19&version=NASB
.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A17&version=NASB
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+10%3A5&version=NASB
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014%3A26&version=NASB
Joyce Biddix says
Very good, Carrie! You are right on with what the Scripture says about our thoughts. We need to be so careful with what we speak as our words are either life-giving or death. It’s so easy to say something negative before we even realize what we are saying. I find myself sometimes having to ask forgiveness for what I said and then speak out what God’s word says about the matter. Keep up the good work!
carrie says
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Tammy Peek says
This really spoke to me this morning. Thank you for the reminder!
carrie says
I’m glad God was able to use it to help you this morning!
Hydia says
This is right on time for me! I’m in a season of trusting who God says I am and taking captive the thoughts that tell me to do otherwise! Thanks for allowing God to use you!
carrie says
I’m so glad it came on time for you! Love when God uses someone to tell me what he wants me to hear!
Nadia says
A lovely Post and a sweet reminder, we need more religious posts like this. In this world with such busy lifestyles, we tend to forget what matters the most. Your post is so sweet and refreshing.
carrie says
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
Jean says
I am really enjoying your blog, its a very great reminder to release our worries and believe in God’s promise
Ruth says
This is exactly what I have been battling today and exactly what I needed to read. Thank you
carrie says
I am so glad God used this to touch you today!
Greg - Year of the dad says
Yes our thoughts can get us in trouble. Just like leading with our heart instead of relying on God to lead us.
carrie says
So true! The heart is deceitful above all else!
Tamera-YourChristianBestFriend says
I’m in a season of hungrily wanting more and more of God and the enemy is busy with my thoughts. So I’ve been flexing my capture muscle daily sometimes hourly. Great read.
carrie says
It is definitely a constant battle and not a one time thing!
Erica says
A very interesting post that I really enjoyed reading!
carrie says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Brava S Reitumetse says
‘Untrue thoughts lead to untrue talk’, oh don’t I know it! Philippians 4:8 is my go-to verse when it comes to filtering through my thoughts, and I always feel conviction.
carrie says
I am definitely thankful to have it as a filter!
Theresa says
Such great practical tips for a critical truth!
carrie says
I hope they helped you!
Reut shaviro says
Nice post 🙂
Laura says
I like the idea of putting thoughts through a filter. That sounds like a good way to regulate things!
carrie says
It really works well!
Miranda Balogh says
This is a very well-written article! As well, it’s a good reminder to all of us to take care of our thoughts and our mental health.
carrie says
Thanks for reading!Glad it was a helpful reminder from God for you!