Developing an overcomer’s mindset takes practice; taking thoughts captive, then moving our thinking the opposite direction of negativity. Move your thoughts toward obedience to God’s ways and increased faith…because without faith it’s impossible to please the Lord. The world can be cynical, but we don’t have to be. Your thought life really can look different when you surrender everything to Jesus. If you ever feel overwhelmed by negative and defeating thoughts, instead of doing what you normally do…literally STOP YOURSELF and do these things instead:
• When an anxious thought comes into your mind, stop and right then turn it into a thought that expresses trust in God and pray it out. Pray out your trust in God. If you don’t trust God, ask Him to reveal any lies you are believing and to reveal what is true.
• Turn a lustful thought immediately into a prayer for purity.
• Turn thoughts of suspicion and mistrust of another into prayer asking for God’s blessing.
• Turn a poverty mindset into a song of praise for God’s faithfulness and provision.
• When a fearful thought comes, turn it into thanksgiving for God’s perfect love that casts out fear.
• Take a thought of annoyance toward someone else or a situation, turn it into a compassionate plea for God to bless and set free that person or situation
• Turn a resentful thought about someone into a blessing over their life
• Turn bitterness into a prayer for mercy and forgiveness
• Turn angry thoughts into pleas for grace in your own life and the life of the other person
• Turn a need-driven focus into an adventure with God, asking God what you can give to someone else
• When an addictive habit rears it’s head, go immediately into prayer asking God to set you free and cry out for His love to flood over your desires, because He can change your “want to” and He delights to set you free! It’s what Jesus came to do!
Points above adapted from the amazing audio session by Graham Cooke, “Clothed in His Presence”
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
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.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…
Ephesians 4:17-32 (NLT)
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[d] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[e] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.