by Irene Koha and Jeanie Shaw, Boston -
Monday, 06 April 2009
Taking Every Thought Captive
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
God designed us in His image, with emotions. What are some of the emotions that God has and has shown us?
Thoughts we can choose to dwell on or dismiss, and actions we choose, but emotional states cannot be directly chosen--they appear to be beyond our control.
However, the Bible teaches us to control our emotions: “Be joyful always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16); “Do not be afraid” (Jesus tells us in the gospels, 22 times); “Do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6) are just a few examples. There must therefore be a way for us to influence our emotions.
While negative emotions can be normal and healthy (sadness or grief because of loss etc.), often our negative emotions cause us a lot of problems.
What are the negative emotions you tend to struggle with? Also, name some situations that typically trigger problematic emotional reactions for you.
If physical factors contribute to emotional problems we have to respond in a physical way. We might need more rest, better nutrition, regular exercise, or even sometimes medications.
If life situations trigger emotions like anger, depression, bitterness, etc, we have to start with the thoughts that are behind these emotions.
Even though emotions are often triggered by circumstances, they are not determined by them.
The Scriptures teach us that from within we determine what our life will be.
Guard your heart with all diligence; for from it flow the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
Therefore we do not have to give into our emotions (they take us captive), but can learn to control our thoughts ( taking them captive), which will result in a change of emotion and behavior.
Are you ready to take responsibility for your emotions and behaviors? What makes it hard for you to do that?
Ultimately wrong thinking has to be replaced with right thinking.
We’re not alone. Many Biblical examples struggle through wrong thinking. Moses labeled himself inadequate; Elisha sat depressed under the juniper tree; Jonah experienced “woe is me, it’s all my fault”; Elijah over generalized that everyone had bowed their knee to Baal.
Can you identify any of the above patterns that apply typically to your thinking?
What could her thoughts have been? (Remember that in her time, the worth of a woman was dependent on her ability to bear children in a much greater way than today.)
Hannah’s behaviors: She did not eat, she withdrew from her husband and was not able to accept his love for her (he gave her a double portion). She was not able to participate in worship to God.
Then she decided to change. What brought about her change and enabled her to control her emotions?
A most important lesson we learn from Hannah is to bring our pain, our emotional struggle to God first. He does know us. He will not misunderstand. He will not judge us. We can feel completely safe in expressing everything to him. Ultimately He has the power to do something about our situation.
What is usually your first response when you face emotional struggles?
But because of her wrestling with God she was able to overcome his accusations and ended up being comforted by him.
When we struggle with God first we are better prepared to share our problem with others. God wants us to talk to our sisters and/or brothers and he will often use them to give us words of encouragement.
Eli answered, Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the Lord for him." 1 Samuel 1:17-20
Hannah’s struggle with God led to changed emotions, she felt peace and surrender instead of sadness and grief.
Her behavior also changed: she ate something, her facial expression changed, she worshiped God, and she drew close to her husband.
Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10
After God answered her request Hannah’s total outlook on life changed. She found joy and delight in the Lord. In her prayer she expressed deep convictions about the nature of God. What are some of these convictions?
How do I evaluate whether my thinking is spiritual or unspiritual; right or wrong; mature or immature? Read Matthew 16:33; Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 5:13-14; Psalm 119:1-11, 104-105
What do these scriptures teach me about the importance of evaluating my thoughts through scripture?
Many practical teachings from the scriptures can help me to change the patterns of my thinking which result in negative emotions and actions. Several of these are: Set my mind; resist the devil; and overcome evil with good. These are things no one else can do for me, but must come from within.
Read 1 Peter 1:13; Matthew 22:37; Colossians 3:1-2; Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 4:1; Romans 8:5; 2 Corinthians 11:3; and Hebrews 3:1.
What are things I can do to set my mind on pleasing God?
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Taking Every Thought Captive