Strong promises from God instead of Anxious thoughts~
We are constantly bombarded with thoughts-What will I wear today? What shall I eat for breakfast? Shall I go paddleboarding early tomorrow? Did I feed the cats!? Our minds are powerful creations and it’s enough we must deal with everyday normal thoughts. But when we are feeling anxious, if we are going through something or have experienced mental or physical unexplained trauma, how do we stop ruminating on these negative, destructive thoughts?
Another name for satan is the ‘accuser’. He enjoys sending accusing thoughts our way as he seeks to steal the truth about what God’s Word really says about us. He wants to kill and destroy us. (John 10:10)
Acts 10:38 reads "And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him." The word "oppressed" is the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner. So when a person is oppressed, he or she feels overpowered by some external force and the result is a feeling of being crushed, put down, smothered, subdued or even tormented. This is what satan loves to do. He tries to rule over, subdue, harass, conquer or overpower-and tells us what to think, what to believe, and what the future will be.
But since we are also anointed by the Holy Spirit with "dunamis" explosive, superhuman power that comes with enormous energy and produces phenomenal extraordinary and unparalleled results, we can drive back the forces of hell when he attacks! (Rick Renner ministries). We can demand these thoughts stop in Jesus name and take every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Resist the devil and he will flee! (James 4:7) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) Remember we are in a spiritual battle but not with human beings (flesh and blood) but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12). Meditate and think upon God’s promises to you today instead of satan’s tormenting and hurtful lies-God's healthy promises all belong to you!
Philippians 4:6-9- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Romans 12:2- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Psalm 56:3-4-When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
2 Thessalonians 3:16- Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Joshua 1:9-Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 3:5-8- Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Psalm 46:10-He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 94:19- When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5-For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ -We can say "thought get out of my head, I resist you in Jesus name, this does not obey Christ or Philippians 4:8!
2 Corinthians 4:7-10- We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
Romans 8:31-39- What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? 32 He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. 34 Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. 35 Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 Just as it is written and forever remains written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE REGARDED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. 38 For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amplified Bible
Isaiah 26:3-4-“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. “Trust [confidently] in the LORD forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], For the LORD GOD is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].
Praise God! As I remember God's promises in His Word, I can also speak them back to Him. "Lord, remember you said I am strong and courageous, you said I will not be afraid or discouraged and you said you will be with me wherever I go. Thank you God!"
Additionally, I can practice deep breathing exercises-take a deep breath in and hold for a few seconds, then exhale.
-Be present where you are and notice your 5 senses in your surroundings. Think about what you see, hear, smell, can touch and taste.
-Practice the presence of God. Just sit and be with Him our daddy God and the creator of all things! If I cannot quiet my mind for this I simply begin thanking Him for good things in my life.
-Call a friend and tell them what you are going through. God loves when we reach out to each other and lean on one another! He enjoys seeing unity in the faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 -“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
Blessings,
Kate
