There are many thoughts and voices coming at us these days. It can be overwhelming. It is often challenging to discern whether an idea, a belief or a thought is from the enemy or from God.

Thankfully, God gives us wisdom in His Word to discern between things of God and things of the enemy. For where “It is written” (Luke 4:4, 8, 10),  we find the keys of wisdom to help us take wilderness thoughts captive.

We can use these 5 keys from the Bible to take wilderness thoughts captive.

1.PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU HEAR

“Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:20-23 NIV).

We must be intentional about what we choose to watch, the music we listen to, and who we spend time with because these things affect our spiritual lives. While each person will have different boundaries, this verse provides wisdom for measuring the effect of what we consume. Take stock of what your music, movie, and other choices you make, then ask these questions: Is this thing lifegiving to me? Does it promote physical, mental, social, and spiritual health for me and the people around me?

Take your time to examine your heart and your life. You may have to seek God and other believers to help in your discernment. But, one thing we do know is that as believers we need to know and apply God’s Word to guard and restore mental and physical health and wholeness.

2. EXAMINE YOUR THOUGHTS

We are forewarned in 1 Peter 5:8 to “Be alert and of sober mind. The enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

The enemy constantly feeds us with lies of this world, wilderness thoughts. We must stay alert to where our thoughts and emotions are coming from and compare each to God’s Word. Every choice we make impacts our susceptibility to being vulnerable prey. The voice we choose to listen to matters.

3. WRITE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PAPER 

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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 10:3-5).

There are thousands of thoughts that run through your mind each day. However, you probably find that a few of those thoughts stick to you and affect how you move, feel, and relate to others. These are the thoughts we need to take captive. By writing these thoughts on paper, we take them out of our minds into the light. Read your thoughts against the truth in God’s Word.  Pray and speak (declare) the Truth OUT LOUD over yourself and your family. Claim it as your new mindset, that of Jesus.

4. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE

“We wrestle not against 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground,” Ephesians 6:12.

Acknowledge you are in a spiritual battle and not a battle against others. Forgive others as Christ forgives us. You will need to apply your armor, believe by faith, and know God’s word to successfully take thoughts captive and demolish the lies and strongholds the enemy whispers.

5. PRAY WITHOUT STOPPING, THE LORD HEARS YOU

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and with your mind”. “Love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22: 37, 39.

Go back to the Father with “prayer and petition, with thanksgiving” Philippians 4:6. Respond to thoughts, feelings, and others according to what God’s Word says and not the world. Pray humbly and with the authority you were originally given at creation.

Jennifer Tate is a Daughter of God, Mama, Wife, Registered Nurse for over 20 years, and Certified Revelation Wellness Instructor (Platoon 19). She loves everything Trinity and enjoys reading and listening to anything that will draw her closer to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. She leads Revelation Fitness classes in rural communities and actively facilitates “The Wellness Revelation” classes. You can reach her at Spiritoftruth.movement@gmail.com.

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COURTNEY’S METABOLIC STRENGTH – “WILDERNESS PLACES

(ADVANCED) (DEUTERONOMY 8:2; HAND WEIGHTS & YOGA MAT)