Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV)
2 Corinthians 10:5 gives us clear instruction on how to keep our thought-life healthy—by taking every thought captive. But how do we accomplish this seemingly impossible task?
The key to your success lies within three simple steps: realizing when you are thinking negatively, rejecting the lie and choosing to meditate on the truth.
The first two steps involve becoming more aware. Let’s pretend that you have just walked into a roomful of people you don’t know and you find yourself thinking, “these people aren’t going to like me”. Step one is to question… Is that the truth? You know you can’t assume that others won’t like you, so you choose to reject the thought.
The next step involves intentionally drowning out your negative, destructive thoughts with ones that are filled with truth. Psalm 71:5 says, “For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence” (AMP). You can immediately ask God to give you the boldness and strength you need in that moment, trusting that you can do “all things through Christ” who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).
Take a moment right now to answer this question: “What negative thoughts do I think repeatedly?” Then search out the truth in God’s Word about who you are and what you’re capable of because of Jesus. Be ready to use this truth to take your thoughts captive when they begin to wander.