Can I ask an honest question?

Question

I dont know how everyone else feels on the R&S site but the biggest problems I have is with my thoughts that come into my mind. I have scary thoughts that seem to "jump" into mymind when I am NOT even thinking these thoughts intetneionally or biblically speaking entertaining thoughts.

This distrurbs me being I do the best I can to walk with the Lord and follow Him.

My question is how does one handle reoccuring thoughts that are not of God and what is a good way to overcome frightening and scary thoughts?

Answer 1

Wrong thoughts will come, but we are to cast them down, not entertain them. The sin isn't in those thoughts coming, but in thinking on, or entertaining them. When they come, deliberately choose to think of good things instead.

Answer 2

I'm not a Christian. Don't follow the Bible, although I have actually read it but I can sympathize with your dilema to a certain extent. We all have some pretty scary things that float through our brains from time to time. It's perfectly normal. We are meant to contemplate such things. Part of the learning process. Acting upon them is another thing altogether, especially when they are of the negative or destructive form, which is where the conscience comes into play. It has been a very long time since I have gone through episodes that made me wonder about myself and if I remember correctly, the method I used is the same one I use today if my mind won't shut down. I envision the waves of the ocean, rolling in along the beach at the same intensity as my emotions or thoughts are rolling and gradually slow those waves down until they become gentle lappings against the sand, to the point where I can actually see the grains of sand being gently moved by the water until it becomes almost motionless. Are we yawning yet?

Answer 3

The enemy likes to plague us with bad thoughts and things that come into our mind. Just be quick to dismiss the thought and move your mind to something of worth and edifying.

Whilever the bad thoughts really disturb you, you can bet that Satan will continue to place them there.

It is no slight on you that you have bad thoughts. The source of the thoughts like that is mostly not of you. Take no care for them, dismiss them as quick as they come into your mind.

I am a manic deppresive that sometimes has a mind that is racing. I have developed an ability to control my mind, so can you I am sure.

It would help for you to put on the armour of God each day, or do some research into that to see what I mean.

Every Christian if they were honest would admit to having bad thoughts, you are just a little more honest and innocent than most Christians.

Your question was refreshing.

Don't give up and don't be distressed. Just dismiss the thoughts as quick as you can and think of something Godly to replace it. Satan will give up after a while you can be sure of that!

Answer 4

the best thing to do when these negative thoughts that are not of God come into your heart and mind, immediately pray and think of scriptures that would refute what your thoughts are saying. When we give our lives to Christ, we have to remember that our old selves can creep back so easily, even though they were crucified with Christ. As you live your life desiring to please God, you will more and more receive the mind of Christ. I went to a leadership retreat last weekend with my church, and we talked about this how in Colossians it says we must kill the desires that we once had and put on the clothes of righteousness.It can be hard, however God will help you. Spend time in the Word, so that when those thoughts come you can easily recite them and fill you mind with these things- Satan wants to control your thoughts, so know scripture to recite to him.

Answer 5

When these thoughts enter your mind you simply pray to God and ask for God to take these thoughts from you. Make sure you pray for protection by 'Pleading the blood of Jesus Christ ' over the situation. Then close the prayer by saying 'in the name of Jesus Christ I pray Amen!' After you pray this have faith that God will deliver you from these thoughts. It may not happen all at once but, these thoughts will fade from you. Good Luck and God Bless You!

Answer 6

Examine what makes these thoughts so scary. The more you repress them the stronger they will become. Ask the thought, "What do you want from me?" and then be still.

Once you name and acknowledge the thought it will have less power over you. Then, if it comes back, just think "Oh there is that thought again," and go back to what you were doing.

Answer 7

I think a lot of us would have bad thoughts every now and again All we can do is focus on good things and tell God what is happening and ask for His help to calm our minds from doing this.
Hang in there. God Bless.

Answer 8

2 Corinthians 10:

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

We need to take control of those thoughts. Also, try saturating your mind more with the Word of God. After all, like Proverbs 23:7 says...

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Answer 9

I felt that way after I became a Christian. I was very sensitive to these thoughts and feelings, from myself and others. I think later I started to have some tolerance and look at the big picture. It is better to be looking at Christ, even when having troubling thoughts, than look at your troubling thoughts and obsess. He is the goal and the means. Don't worry because he doesn't.

Answer 10

When you find a thought or temptation (not of God) requesting permission to land, deny it. God gave man this power to defend himself. We are not in the wilderness without God. These thoughts will eventually fall away and not be a part of your consciousness, because they have no god to sustain them, and truth is always victorious. This process becomes easier and automatic as you grow in your spiritual understanding.