Casting Down Imaginations

2 Corinthians 10:5 TPT

We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.

I’m grateful that the book of Psalms gives us a glimpse of David’s struggle, a bit like spiritual whiplash. In one breath, he laments about his worries and fears, and in the next, he returns to profess his faith in God, who reigns bigger than all his fears. 

The best way to prepare to fight worry, anxiety, and fear is to learn God’s Word and plant it firmly in our hearts. Then we must take our thoughts captive and discern if they are from God or from the enemy. When they’re from the enemy, we must exchange them for God’s truth, just as Paul instructs us in 2 Corinthians 10.

Many people have asked me how they can determine if their thoughts are from God or from the enemy. Here are some suggestions: 

* When God speaks, He never contradicts the Bible or His character. That is why it’s so important to know what the Bible says. 

* God never condemns or shames us like the enemy does. God forgives us, and His voice gently corrects us out of love, to keep us in a right relationship with Him. 

* God leads us and stills us, whereas the enemy pushes and rushes us. 

* God’s voice is comforting, calming, and reassuring, while the enemy worries, frightens, and stresses us. 

* While the enemy confuses, God encourages. God is never the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)

To gain freedom from worry, anxiety, and fear, we must shift the responsibility for all outcomes to God. When it comes to keeping our peace rather than letting our hearts become troubled or anxious, we have a choice to make: choose to trust and rest in God’s powerful and loving provision or try to do it ourselves. 

CONFESSION

I trust and rest in God’s ability to take care of me
I confess daily my faith and not my fears
Amen