Dealing With Negative Energy

Learning how to take your negative thoughts captive as Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 10:5 is, unfortunately, a concept we sons and daughters of the Most High are never taught. However, the importance of taking every thought captive under the Lordship of our Saviour as led by the Holy Spirit is one of the most important principles a believer can employ in the process of renewing their mind. Without a clear understanding of why we take every thought captive and the power that it gives us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, well-meaning, devoted Christians will be left frustrated and confused, wondering why they’re not able to experience the abundant life the Most High promised. But when you understand how to take your thoughts captive and renew your mind, life begins to quickly change for the better. Instead of being dominated by thoughts of fear, anxiety, worry, and stress, you can see life through the lens of the Most High’s Word and His promises for your life. Taking your thoughts captive and having control of them is a game-changer for every believer.

What Does ‘Take Every Thought Captive’ Mean?

When Paul talks about “taking every thought captive”, he uses the imagery of war where an enemy would be ensnared, subdued, and led away. The meaning is clear: we are in a spiritual war, a battle for our minds, and we must take seriously the charge to renew our minds according to the Word of the Most High or be overrun by the enemy. The apostle Paul is willing to go to battle against false apostles because he does not wage war according to the flesh. He recognizes that the warfare in which he is engaged is spiritual and requires spiritual weapons that are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. By “strongholds,” Paul isn’t talking about physical fortresses, of course, but about destructive patterns of thought that lead people astray and hold them hostage to sinful, harmful, and addictive behavior. We know Paul is concerned with the mind because he is demolishing arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and he wants to help believers take every thought captive to obey the Most High.

As the Saviour told his disciples, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). When your relationship to the living Word connects to the written Word, “you really will be free” (John 8:36). If you’re not taking every thought captive to obey the Most High and are instead succumbing to a stronghold, it’s because you either don’t know the truth or aren’t making use of the truth you know.

What Does the Bible Say about Our Thoughts?

Not all thoughts are from God

It took me a long time to realize not every thought I had was for me or from the Most High. Rather, the thoughts that we think come from a myriad of different sources including your interpretation of past and present situations, the enemy as he seeks to torment you, other people in your life, and of course, the Holy Spirit. Recognizing the voice of the Holy Spirit as you discern the source of thoughts you are thinking is foundational for every believer. Otherwise, it’s easy to start trusting in your own wisdom or the thoughts of others, rather than God’s voice.

John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know then, and they follow me.”

Proverbs 28:26 says, “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.”

We have to purposefully curate our thought life

Thoughts don’t exist in a vacuum. They affect every area of our lives because thoughts become feelings, which turn into beliefs. Once beliefs are established in our hearts and minds, they then become the fuel for actions which in turn becomes our life. Everything flows from your thought life.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

We can direct our thoughts to the Most High

Learning to purposefully direct our thoughts toward the Most High and the things of His Kingdom fills our imagination and inner life with His presence. When we focus on the Most High’s presence, and His Word, and actively hear His voice, our minds are filled with His light and life, driving out the enemy and the confusing torment he often brings into our thought life.

Philippians 4:48 says, “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.”

Colossians 3:2-5 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you die and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”

We can direct our thoughts away from ungodly things

Just like we can direct our thoughts toward the Most High and delight ourselves in Him, we also should intentionally direct our thoughts away from ungodly things. Knowing what things are temptations, stumbling blocks, and potential roadblocks for us allows believers to navigate away from things that bring death and destruction, and toward things that bring life, joy, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Thoughts help to form the reality experience

The Most High created us with a vivid and powerful imagination that produces images, thoughts, and feelings for us to co-labor with Him in line with our assignment in His Kingdom. The degree to which you are willing to intentionally direct your imagination under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is the degree to which you will see the abundant life our Saviour promised in John 10:10 show up in your life. Your thoughts form the boundaries of your life, either stopping or allowing you to step into everything the Most High has promised you in His Kingdom as a result of the new covenant.

Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Matthew 21:22 says, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father a beautiful sight of the must be endless wisdom, boundless love, and awesome purity. One day we will stand before you and Father I have absolutely no doubt it will be silent and with everything about you will transcend anything we could say. Thank you to anyone who will take the time to read this article. If anyone is running in the opposite direction stop them with your loving hands and turn them around. Father I ask you for your understanding and wisdom in this time we are living, no one has ever lived in such a time, but Father we need you, thank you for your grace and mercies for I pray trusting in your mighty name, Amen.