Fear Begins With a Thought
Experiencing fear can seem like something out of our control. The truth is that the spirit of fear does not just appear; our thoughts form the highway for fear to drive on. If we don’t build thinking patterns around the spirit of fear, it has no access to getting inside us. The bible teaches us that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Taking your thoughts captive is vital to preventing the spiral of fear cycles in your thinking, and ultimately your life.
Taking Your Thoughts Captive Requires Intentionality
What are you watching? The media we consume has a strong influence on our minds. If the shows or movies you choose to entertain you elicit fear, it’s time to change the channel. You are too valuable to spend time bringing harm to your mind and spirit. In fact, the victory Jesus has granted you over fear leads you to live a life of freedom, not destruction. How do the accounts you follow, posts, and books you read honor this victory? Do they stir your spirit with hope or destruction?
Who is in your circle? Share with your close friends, spouse, or family the efforts that you are making to more intentionally consider the thoughts you entertain. Let them encourage you in this and hold you accountable for the thoughts you verbalize to them. There is strength in numbers, if you are feeling fear, it is your responsibility to share that. The enemy wants you to freeze and isolate, but you powerfully get to choose to let people in.
Your circle also influences the thinking you do. Do the people you spend the most time bring ease and peace? Are they carrying the yoke of Jesus, which is easy and light?
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)
You are worth peace of mind. If there are changes needing to be made in your life to erase fear out, I encourage you to take them today and commit to the daily responsibility of taking your thoughts captive.