Tag: spiritual struggle

January 23, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Dealing with Invading Thoughts

Opening Verse

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)

Introduction

In a world brimming with distractions and mental clutter, our thoughts can often stray into territories that disturb our peace and spiritual focus. The challenge of dealing with invading thoughts is an age-old dilemma, one that the apostle Paul addressed with divine wisdom.

Devotional Story

Joel, a young and devoted believer, found himself battling thoughts of doubt and fear regularly. Despite his dedication to his faith, these thoughts often crept into his mind, especially during moments of solitude or challenge. He felt overwhelmed and sometimes questioned his spiritual strength.

One evening, while attending a small Bible study group, Joel shared his struggles. An elder in the group, Mrs. Thompson, listened intently and shared a story from her own life. She spoke of a time when she, too, was besieged by negative thoughts. But then, she learned the power of “taking every thought captive” as instructed in the Bible. She practiced this by immediately countering negative thoughts with scripture, prayer, and praises to God. Over time, this practice not only lessened the invasion of unwanted thoughts but also strengthened her relationship with God.

What This Means

Like Joel and Mrs. Thompson, every believer can encounter invasive thoughts. However, these challenges can become opportunities to deepen our faith. By consciously redirecting our thoughts towards God and His Word, we engage in a spiritual exercise that fortifies our minds against the onslaught of negativity.

Think About This

Consider the thoughts that invade your mind most often. How do they affect your spiritual walk? Reflect on practical steps you can take to redirect these thoughts towards Christ and His promises.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my struggle with invading thoughts that seek to distract me from You. Grant me the strength to cast down these imaginations and to focus my mind on Your truth and righteousness. Teach me to recognize and counteract these thoughts with Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” – Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

October 16, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Tug-of-War Within: Overcoming Flesh to Serve the Spirit

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Galatians 5:17 (KJV)

Devotional

Sometimes it feels like life is an uphill battle, doesn’t it? You want to do the right thing, be a good person, maybe even be closer to God. But distractions are everywhere—parties, substances, negative influences. They tug at you, trying to pull you away from what you know is right.The Bible has a simple but powerful message about this. In Galatians 5:17, it says that our human desires are always in conflict with what the Holy Spirit wants for us. It’s like there’s a tug-of-war going on inside us. This isn’t a new struggle; it’s as old as humanity itself. But take heart in knowing that God gave us a guidebook to navigate these struggles—the Bible. In Ephesians 6:12, it’s said,
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
You’re not just fighting earthly temptations; it’s a spiritual battle. Galatians 5:17 lays it out clearly: our human wants and God’s Spirit are often at odds. It’s a daily conflict, but there’s hope. James 4:7 says,
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (KJV)
When you’re fighting that battle, you’re not fighting alone. Surrender your struggles to God, resist the bad stuff, and watch the enemy back off. If you’re teetering between the world and God, Joshua 24:15 reminds us,
Choose you this day whom ye will serve. Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
There’s no in-between. When you choose God, you’re choosing the ultimate source of light, love, and guidance. So, if you’re struggling to keep that inner light alive, think of Psalm 119:105,
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
Open that Bible, cling to its wisdom, and let God be the lamp that lights up your life. Even the tiniest flicker of light can drive out darkness, and that divine light lives within you. Let go, Let God.