Spiraling Thoughts

As I was talking with a friend of mine who was struggling, I tried to offer her some advice. I hope this portion of our conversation will up lift you too.

Friend:  MJ, I need prayers today. It’s not bad. I have been listening to music for inspiration. Ever had one of those days? Your mind switches back and forth. Good things are happening…

MJ:  Which means that Satan will be after you to sidetrack your thought life.

Friend:  Oh yes, But I am fighting that DAILY!!! As quickly as I notice he is doing that, I run to the feet of Jesus. It is the only weapon I know of strong enough for some of these battles.

MJ:  I have to fight negative thought daily too. Some days I am more successful then others. The main thing is to keep going.

Friend:  I am excited, then upset, then happy, then sobbing, and then back to crying tears of joy again…All in the same day. I feel so wishy-washy!

MJ:  But you aren’t wishy-washy. That is the lie the enemy persuades us to believe when we are really getting stronger. You stay firmer in your godly thoughts and actions much longer then you use to do. You may not be aware of your growth but others can see it in you.

I am not where I would like to be either.  When the negative thoughts and accusations begin, I am much better about closing the doors with the truth. I am learning to recognize how Satan has belittled me in my thought life causing me to lose faith and spiral down in defeat. These are lifetime thought patterns, which have to be broken. I am progressing even though it may seem hopeless at times…and especially when fear gets involved. But I too have had to recognize that I am stronger then what I think I am. Knowing this gives me the courage, strength and peace of mind to move forward and finally bring balance to my thoughts and emotions.

So…how do we start to change our spiraling thoughts?

1.    Realize how important it is to bring your thought life under control. If you don’t see the importance then you will not see the need for renewing your mind. (Romans 12:2)

2.    Get in the Word and find out who you truly are “in Christ”. Then meditate on those truths until they become your natural way of thinking. (IN HIM by Kenneth Hagin.)

3.    Allow God's grace to cover all your mistakes especially while you are learning.

4.    Don’t allow condemnation to sidetrack your progress.

5.    Keep going even when it seems hopeless. You will grow and become stronger only if you keep moving forward.

6.   Stay connected with those who will help you and encourage you. You are not in this alone. Build mutual trust with others. Everyone has a mental battle of some kind. Helping each other remain strong is not only beneficial to you but also for all those you will be able to touch with the message of hope as you progress.

Do your thoughts spiraling out of control? Do you want to reach a more balanced pattern? Start fresh today by finding and capturing just one thought that is not the truth. Throw it out of your mind, stomp on it with your feet and claim the truth over the situation. If you are having trouble naming something, ask the Holy Spirit to help you get started. The process is difficult to say the least. However, with time and perseverance, you too can see positive results.

  

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 10:2

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. 

Isaiah 26:3