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"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

 

I tilted my head back and closed my eyes while the wind gently brushed through my hair. The sun slipped through my window to envelop me in a warm embrace. Inhaling deeply, I opened my eyes to delight in the flashes of green, blue, and yellow dancing alongside me on the open road. 

Glancing to my left, my husband and I exchanged a smile reserved for childless endeavors. With his hand in mine, I didn't care where we were going; all I knew was I felt free. 

Unexpectedly, an object on the floorboard caught my eye. I looked down to discover my favorite journal lying face-down across my feet. Like finding forgotten treasure, I couldn't wait to reread the hand-lettered scripture and heart-reviving quotes buried inside.  

As I bent down to grab the corner of my journal, my excitement turned to terror when a snake slithered out from beneath the pages. Before I could react, two sharp fangs clamped down onto my left wrist. Swiftly, my right hand flung the snake out the window. 

Overcome with anxiety; my chest moved up and down rapidly. My eyes darted around in the dark. Seconds felt like an eternity before I realized it was all a dream. 

The following day, after much reflection, I knew my dream was metaphorically my reality. Daily, I let Satan sink his fangs into my veins, poisoning my mind with venomous lies about God, myself, my relationships, and my future. Instead, I should have been throwing him out the window and grabbing the antidote: God's word!

Frankly, attacks on my thought life happen not only on my bad days but also on my best days, even when my feet are covered in scripture. Attacks like: 

 

"You'll never overcome what holds you back."

"Your past disqualifies you."

"You are too much for people."

"If they see the real you, they won't love you."

"I am suffering because God is angry with me."

"You are alone."

"It all depends on me."

 

Filtered through the word of God, I know these statements are lies, but sometimes they feel true. Can you relate? 

Indeed, it doesn't matter how many verses I write down in my journal; if I don't purposefully capture my thoughts and make them obedient to Christ, my thoughts will capture me (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

Precious friend, I don't know what lies you are allowing to seep deep into your veins, but I'm sure you recognize how poisonous they are to your well-being and the course of your life. I wish I could come through these pages to hug you and encourage you with the truth. 

The bottom line is we are at war with words. Satan wages war with "did God really say (Genesis 3)?" but Jesus wages war against him with "it is written (Matthew 4)." Friend, we can do the same. Let's link arms and go to battle together! 

 

Do you ever feel like through Christ you can conquer anything, only to be sidelined by fear moments later? Like me, have you battled fear and anxiety, often wondering what it will take to make it stop? Have you been taken by surprise when panic suddenly grips your heart at the most unexpected and inconvenient times?  Click the button below to download my free workbook: 5 Practical Steps to Help You Renew Your Mind in Christ.