How Do I Get Control Over Bad Thoughts?

Last updated on: December 25, 2015 at 12:35 pm by Jack Wellman

How Do I Get Control Over Bad Thoughts? 2015-12-25T12:35:02-06:00 Jack Wellman

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

How is it possible to overcome or control bad thoughts when they enter our minds?

Renewing the Mind

Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” How can we dwell on good things and not bad? We can “be transformed by the renewal of [our] mind” and test to “discern what is the will of God” and “what is good and acceptable and perfect’ but there must be a transformed mind and an avoidance of being conformed to this present evil world. You are not what you think you are; what you think, you are!

Battle of the Mind

There is a battle going on with invisible dark, evil forces that we can’t even see. Because of this fact, Paul wrote about the necessity to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph 6:11). The truth is “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Eph 6:12-13). For help in this area we can be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Eph 6:18).

Thoughts to Dwell On

Paul gives us a great list that we can dwell on when bad thoughts enter our mind in Philippians 4:8 where he writes “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.” This is like a thought-replacement process. When bad thoughts enter our mind we should dwell on what is lovely, commendable, excellent, and anything else “worthy of praise.” Think on these things, not the bad things. What we think is not totally out of our control. This means we must “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Rom 12:9). This replacement means we rid ourselves of bad thoughts by dwelling on things that we have to be thankful for; family, home, job, and so much more. The list is really endless.

Paul’s Battle with the Flesh

Don’t think we’re the only ones who must deal with a spiritual battle of the mind. We have three unholy strongholds we must fight against; the world, the flesh, and the evil spirits who are working to infiltrate our minds. Paul must have had many spiritual attacks because of his missionary work in proclaiming the gospel to thousands but even Paul battled his own carnal nature by writing that what “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Rom 7:15) and like the rest of us, Paul said “I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Rom 8:18-19). Paul finally cried out to God for deliverance; “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death” (Rom 7:24) but then he quickly answers his own question; “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 7:25) who will deliver him and all who trust in Him.

Conclusion

One way to control bad thoughts is to replace them with good thoughts but also to be abiding in the World of God on a daily basis. How does this work? Jesus said “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4) for “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5) saying “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). If you get into the Word of God, the Word of God will get into you and so by abiding in the Word the Word will abide in you. That should enable you to dwell on things that are lovely and not on things that are bad.

Article by Jack Wellman

Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren Church in Mulvane Kansas. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Teaching Children the Gospel available on Amazon.

Previous Post

December 25, 2015

How Can I Really Know God?

Next Post

December 25, 2015 What Was The City Of Sin From The Bible?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Bible Answers Bible Definitions Bible Story Bible Study Bible Verses Christian Books Christian Entertainment Christian Fathers Christian Mothers Christian Quotes Devotional Famous Christians Music News Parables Prayers Quotes Sunday School Lesson Uncategorized Youth Sermons

Select a Month October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does James say someone who doubts is like?

Select your answer to see how you score.

A wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind A sheep without a shepherd A house built on sand A leaf falling from a tree