Winning Battles of the Mind
Break the chain of “thought-bondage” by submitting your concerns to God.

It's 10 p.m. Alone in your bed, you close your eyes and try to rest. The room is cool, and the night is still. Yet, sleep is unreachable. A barrage of thoughts floods your mind—problems of the present day, issues from the past, and concerns for the future. This relentless state of thinking plagues victims with unproductive, nagging thoughts—thoughts that are not edifying to God, others, or themselves. This affliction affects many people. Exhausted from over-thinking, they withdraw from normal activity to wrestle with anxiety for many hours at a time.

To break this chain of "thought-bondage," you must first take inventory of your thoughts. If your thought life is causing you to feel worried, tense, anxious, or depressed, it's time for a change.

Generally, unproductive thoughts follow a clear pattern.

Stage one: A problem/concern/issue enters your mind.

Stage two: When no clear solution comes to mind, you begin to experience negative feelings (worry, fear, stress, guilt).

Stage three: Negative feelings take root and produce anxiety, tension and/or depression as you frantically try to resolve the problem yourself.

To effectively combat the ill-effects of stages two and three, we must learn to submit our concerns to God in stage one. The longer we hold on to the idea that we’re capable of solving our own problems without God's help, the more risk we run of becoming trapped in a negative thought pattern. If our thoughts are truly submitted to God, negative feelings should disappear in the palms of His capable hands.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the battles of the mind. He praises the church at Corinth for their mental successes, saying, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing that raises up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). What does it mean to take a thought "captive"? It means we are to examine and compare each thought we have against the standard of thinking God set for us.

The fourth chapter of the book of Philippians provides an insightful glance into the ideal state of mental "health" God intended for his children. Beginning in verse four, we're first encouraged to rejoice in the Lord always. Next, we're instructed to be anxious for nothing, but rather, to lift our concerns to God in prayer and supplication (v. 6). Finally, we're encouraged to dwell on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy and of good repute (v. 8). According to these words from God, is it acceptable to obsess over problems, worries, and fears? Absolutely not. Instead, we should leave our burdens with God and turn our thoughts to positive things.

How can unproductive thought patterns be put down before they begin? Our best defense is the Word of God. The more time we spend studying and learning the truth of the Scriptures, the more prepared we'll be for our next mental attack. Take, for example, the powerful words of Romans 8:6, "For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace."

Satan likes nothing more than to distract believers from seeking God. One of his most common and successful tactics is to entangle believers' minds with negative thoughts. If our minds are divided with problems, we'll be unable to put God first. Do not be tricked by Satan's schemes. Instead, trust in the One who can provide total peace.

No matter how difficult our circumstances seem, no matter how tempting it is to sit around wondering how to solve our own problems, the Bible tells us we're not to take these burdens upon ourselves. Worry, anxiety, fear, and depression are not of God, and He can provide deliverance from these paralyzing conditions. Take the words of 1 Peter 5:7 to heart: "Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." God loves you infinitely and perfectly. He never intended for you to walk through valleys of fear, insecurity, and uncertainty alone. He's the Great Shepherd waiting to guide you and direct your path (Proverbs 3:6).

Give your mind a vacation from worry by turning negative thoughts immediately over to God. When Satan tempts you to take matters into your own hands, lift up this simple prayer, "Lord, I cannot handle this situation on my own. I submit my concerns to You. Help me release my negative thoughts and trust You completely. Amen."