Captive Thoughts
“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.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV
Do you ever have days where your husband just irritates you beyond normal irritation? Well, that happened to me just the other day.
I was already perturbed with my husband when a series of events took place and it seemed to snowball from there. I probably need to start from the beginning. First, he jumped into the bathroom right before me and stayed in there forever. Now, I don’t know about you but when my feet hit the floor in the mornings, the very first thing I must do is go to the bathroom. I can’t do anything else until I do. So, you can imagine what was running through my mind when this one move that he made sidelined me to the bed until he got out of the bathroom. I can tell you it wasn’t very nice.
Then I noticed that he left his clothes all over the bedroom and bathroom floor. My immediate thought was, “Goodness gracious, how old is he? Can he not put his clothes in the dirty clothes hamper? I mean, I’m not the maid!” Do you ever have thoughts like that? Then we happened to be having a conversation later which sent me even further over the edge because of all the many times I either had to repeat myself or explain myself. Friend, the thoughts I was thinking wasn’t very nice at this moment either.
But the biggest issue happened later in the day and friend, I’m just going to confess something to you. It wasn’t one of my finer moments. My husband had brought a meal home from a fast-food restaurant for me, and it was something that he should have known that I didn’t like to eat and wouldn’t want. I know that doesn’t sound too terrible, but it seemed to be the straw that broke the camels back. For the rest of the evening, my negative and not so nice thoughts consumed me.
If you are anything like me, these “unpleasant thought” moments with my husband become my reality more than I would like. I’ve noticed that when I get tired, I have a shorter fuse and get very impatient with people especially my husband. Then I get so mad at myself later for thinking the thoughts that I think and acting in a way that doesn’t show love to those I love so much. So, friend what do we do about it?
2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “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.”
First, we must recognize that God doesn’t give us these unpleasant thoughts. Friend – we must recognize those unpleasant thoughts are from the enemy trying to do what he does best – to kill, steal, and destroy. (John 10:10)
Second, once we recognize who the real enemy is, we can start taking our thoughts captive by giving them to God and allowing Him to transform our mind. The more we do this, the more we are defeating the enemy at his game, and we are positioning ourselves for real victory. Go back and read the verses before our key verse. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 tells us that even though we are walking in the flesh, our battle is not with the flesh. Sweet friend, your battle is not with your husband, and neither is mine. I want you to pay attention to 2 Corinthians 10:4 when it says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
Did you hear that? Our weapons are MIGHTY IN GOD. He is the one who gives us victory friend. But to activate that victory, we must do something on our part and that is allow God to do only what God can do. We must recognize the enemy, take the thoughts captive, and give them to God and allow Him to transform our minds. Sounds simple yet it is one of the hardest things for me to do. But I’m learning when something is hard for me, those are the moments when I need my Heavenly Father the most. So friend, I’m just being real. I need these truths today. I need to take my thoughts captive and give them to Jesus during those moments when my husband rubs me the wrong way and I start to think thoughts that are unpleasant. It’s the only way to experience true victory and lasting joy.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for bringing your truths to my mind and reminding me of who my real enemy is. Thank you for giving me the tools that I need to fight the war that rages for my marriage. Forgive me of all the times when I have allowed my emotions to run away with me and for all the times when I haven’t extended grace to my husband. Help me to take my thoughts captive and allow you to transform my mind. Help me also to reflect you more by extending more grace even when it’s hard to do so. I love you Lord and I thank you for the gift of my husband. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Truths to Cling to:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10 ESV
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Romans 12:2a ESV
Reflection:
What thoughts do you need to take captive today toward your husband?
Journal your response and pray over them asking God to transform your mind.
Share one thing you will do today to help position you for victory with your thoughts.