How Do I Get Control Over Bad Thoughts?

How is it possible to overcome or control bad thoughts when they enter our minds?

Renewing the Mind

Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” How can we dwell on good things and not bad? We can “be transformed by the renewal of [our] mind” and test to “discern what is the will of God” and “what is good and acceptable and perfect’ but there must be a transformed mind and an avoidance of being conformed to this present evil world. You are not what you think you are; what you think, you are!

Battle of the Mind

There is a battle going on with invisible dark, evil forces that we can’t even see. Because of this fact, Paul wrote about the necessity to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph 6:11). The truth is “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Eph 6:12-13). For help in this area we can be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Eph 6:18).

Thoughts to Dwell On

Paul gives us a great list that we can dwell on when bad thoughts enter our mind in Philippians 4:8 where he writes “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This is like a thought-replacement process. When bad thoughts enter our mind we should dwell on what is lovely, commendable, excellent, and anything else “worthy of praise.” Think on these things, not the bad things. What we think is not totally out of our control. This means we must “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Rom 12:9). This replacement means we rid ourselves of bad thoughts by dwelling on things that we have to be thankful for; family, home, job, and so much more. The list is really endless.

Paul’s Battle with the Flesh

Don’t think we’re the only ones who must deal with a spiritual battle of the mind. We have three unholy strongholds we must fight against; the world, the flesh, and the evil spirits who are working to infiltrate our minds. Paul must have had many spiritual attacks because of his missionary work in proclaiming the gospel to thousands but even Paul battled his own carnal nature by writing that what “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Rom 7:15) and like the rest of us, Paul said “I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Rom 8:18-19). Paul finally cried out to God for deliverance; “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death” (Rom 7:24) but then he quickly answers his own question; “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 7:25) who will deliver him and all who trust in Him.

Conclusion

One way to control bad thoughts is to replace them with good thoughts but also to be abiding in the World of God on a daily basis. How does this work? Jesus said “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4) for “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5) saying “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). If you get into the Word of God, the Word of God will get into you and so by abiding in the Word the Word will abide in you. That should enable you to dwell on things that are lovely and not on things that are bad.

Article by Jack Wellman

Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren Church in Mulvane Kansas. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Teaching Children the Gospel available on Amazon.