Replacing Lies With Light

Replacing Lies With Light

        Without a doubt in my mind, the topic that we are discussing today is something that each individual has struggled with. We all deal with negative thoughts in a different way, but we all can admit that we’ve had them. 

        All in all, while words are powerful when spoken, our thoughts are even more powerful. Think about it: how often do we go through the day with an inner dialogue going on inside? Our thoughts are powerful things because they have the capabilities to influence our mindset and to shape our behavior. If we are thinking poorly of ourselves, then it is no wonder when we choose to act poorly. When we allow ourselves to think negatively, we are essentially rejecting God’s truth. 

        The truth is, the devil is real. He knows how powerful our thoughts can be and he uses that against us by infiltrating our minds by feeding us lies. This doesn’t become a problem, until we start believing the lies. It is so important to know how to discern between lies and truth. As Christians, we have access to the truth, because we know Him personally. Our Heavenly Father designed us and desires for our thoughts to be of  Him and on His truths.

        So in the moments when thoughts are jumbled and we struggle to overcome the negative thoughts, how do we keep those thoughts captive? How do we replace negative thoughts with God’s truth?

        First of all, as briefly discussed previously, we must know Christ. If we do not have an intimate, personal relationship with the Lord, we are doomed. This is not to say that if you are Christian that you will never have negative thoughts again - because that is further from the truth. We are all prone to thinking poorly. However, when we know Christ, we can overcome the negative thoughts.

        Secondly, let’s look at what the Bible says. In Ephesians 6, Paul lists the spiritual weapons: the belt of truth, the shoes of the gospel, the sword of the Spirit, and down the list we could go.  The only way we can truly rely on these weapons is to place our faith in Christ, and in Him alone. Spiritual battles are not won by outward displays of force, but by inner working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we start to think thoughts that are not a reflection of Christ, it should be our immediate response to hand them over to the Lord. 

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

1. Pay Attention to Your Thoughts

“ Keep thy mind with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

With so much noise in this world, we often think without even paying attention to what we are mentally processing. It is so easy to forget that we have influence over our thoughts. It is important to pay attention to our natural tendencies. In order for us to take action, we must be engaged with our minds. In order to overcome, we must know what we’re up against.

2. Intentionally Know God’s Word

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Just like we know our enemy, we also need to know what we believe and why we believe it. Familiarize yourself with the word of God. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, what did he use to combat the devil’s lies? He used God’s Word. As we study God’s Word, we will easily be able to discern the lies and be able to replace them with truth. 

3. Surrender Your Thoughts 

“Therefore he is able to completely save those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” – Hebrews 7:25

    Once you have done all that, leave the lies in God’s hands. Trust in the Lord, because He doesn’t want you to believe the lies. He is for us, not against us! Your true identity wrapped up in your thoughts, but in the one who created you. You are who God says you are! Not only has he given us incredible tools to intentionally change our thoughts, he has also promised to intercede for us. He cares about the little details of our lives. If you are struggling, take your thoughts to Christ. The thoughts that have left you broken are not worth holding onto. Give them to Jesus!

    There is never a quick way of overcoming negativity, but if you allow God to help you, he will. As you learn to take every thought captive and to replace the lies with truth, you will believe it. Trust in the Lord, who is unchangeable! The promises of God hold greater value than any thought.