How do we manage thoughts and the involuntary images and ideals that invade the mind? Some of them upsetting and bizarre but are unwanted thoughts. They usually center around themes such as violence, harm, aggression, sexuality, illness, and/or religion.
We should note that to have intrusive thoughts doesn’t always mean that you will act on them, or that they truly reflect your desires or beliefs. Normal thoughts are common and fleeting, and most people experience them in their day-to-day life. We may have thoughts of a task, for instance, what to have for dinner, or planning activities. On the other hand, an intrusive thought is unwanted and involuntary. Thought that invades the mind without any apparent trigger, and are often distressing or disturbing. Some are accompanied by shame or guilt. A normal thought is a conscious mental process that comes to our minds naturally without any external stimulus. So fleeting that they can be easily dismissed, and they have no significant impact on our mood or emotions. Quite the opposite, an intrusive thought can be obsessive-compulsive, repetitive, and cause anxiety, depression, and fear. Leading to a decrease in confidence and self-esteem. Often those who suffer from them, feel trapped, unable to control or stop them, even when they try. These are the kind of thoughts that are panic inducing and can cause irrational phobias.
They can affect anyone, and sometimes leads to the diagnosis of such mental conditions like PTSD and OCD. Left unaddressed, over time can worsen into more serious mental health issues. Taking back your control over an intrusive mind is necessary to improve one’s quality of life.
(Philippians 4:8) Encourages us to focus our thoughts on things that are positive and uplifting. Reminding us to fill our minds with thoughts of truth, goodness, and beauty, rather than dwelling on negative or sinful things. By doing so we will cultivate a more peaceful and joyous outlook on life. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Tells us that as Christians we should not allow any argument or thought that goes against the knowledge of God to take root in our minds. Instead, we must capture every thought and make it obedient to Christ. To think in a way that pleases and honors God and be not swayed by false teachings or worldly ideas. Being intentional about our thought life and align our thinking with God’s truth. Thereby taking control of the intrusive mind.
Philippians 4:8
New International Version
8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
King James Version
8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
Living Bible
8 “And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
New International Version
5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
King James Version
5 “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
Living Bible
5 “These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.”