Freedom Through Captivity
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A client came to me in distress.
They felt God had given them clear instructions, but they had chosen their own way. “I think God forgives me, but I’m still a disappointment to Him.
Now it’s almost impossible to connect with God,” they moaned. I listened empathetically to this all-too-familiar story. The truth is that our thoughts inform our feelings, and our feelings often inform our behaviors. My client’s belief that they were a sore disappointment to God led to feelings of shame, anxiety, and unworthiness.
With that uncomfortable mix of thoughts and emotions, they muddled through their devotional time. In shame they started to isolate themselves from God, and agony sank in. Sometimes it is hard to believe how a single thought can have the power to shape how we feel, how we show up for ourselves, how we interact with the world, and even how we approach God’s presence. But that is why I believe 2 Corinthians 10:5 gives us actionable counsel on what to do about our thoughts. Here is a simple tool rooted in biblical principles that helps us take charge of our thought life and, in turn, our feelings and behaviors.
This can shape our character, our relationships, and our healing journey for the better: Find. Argue. Replace. Find: The first step in taking a thought captive is to identify it. What thought are we holding on to that is causing distress? Argue: Next, use your God-given authority to argue against that thought with the Word of God.
We are taking our thoughts to court. If it does not align with God’s Word, we throw it out. But we cannot stop there. Replace: Replacing that thought with truth means having something living and powerful ready to fill that space. Take action and walk in it.
My client experienced relief over the next few weeks as God spoke truth into their heart and they allowed the truth to shape their understanding of God’s heart toward them instead of shame. It changed everything. The same can be true for you.
Make time to take your thoughts captive.
Sarah Casper
