Do you ever find yourself in a situation that leads you to spiral down a negative path in your mind? Do your thoughts swirl so swiftly that you can relate to the term, “head spinning?” You may even find yourself directing all your undesirable energy toward a person whom you feel to be responsible for the situation or irresponsible in their part in it. Often, this can lead to full blown anxiety.
Does any of this sound familiar? I know that I can quite easily go down a path of rumination at such a rapid pace that I am not even aware of how long I have been mulling over something that usually I have no control over anyway. Sound familiar?
The only thing we can control is our reaction to any given situation. I would be the first to admit that this is easier said than done. However, to allow yourself to be chronically upset can literally lead to physical illness. Stress kills.
In the natural it is near impossible to walk in peace. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to bring every thought captive. That means to grab each thought that does not line up with His Word or His way and stop it before it mushrooms into something that is very challenging to break. An errant thought can become an entrenched stronghold if not contained and eliminated at the onset.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a helper to each believer. With Holy Spirit empowerment you can change your thinking patterns. The choice is really yours. Perhaps, up to this point, you have had a lifetime of thinking patterns that are far from wholesome. Some such configurations are generationally based and fueled by familiar spirits. This is where it is necessary to pull down strongholds that may have been in your family lineage.
Remember, we are in a spiritual war daily. Whether you like it or not, that is the reality. The battle most often begins in your mind. If the enemy can gain entry there, he can wreak havoc in your life.
You are here “for such a time as this!” Now is the time to stand and take back anything the enemy has taken from you and your family. It is never too late to effect change!
Enlist the help of the Holy Spirit, put on the whole armor of God, pray without ceasing, arise and move forward in the name of the Lord!
For it is written:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-6
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
Jesus
John 14:26
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
“ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
