How do I control my thoughts?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Just about anything or anyone can influence our thoughts, so we must choose wisely what to surround ourselves with (Proverbs 1:10- 19; 4:14- 19; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14). God should be actively part of our thought life, which may mean seeking out godly things to think about (Philippians 4:8). God is stronger than any temptation that could come to us in our thoughts (1 Corinthians 10:13). Our thoughts should be filled with God’s Word (John 8:32) so that they are captive to obeying Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Praying to the Lord also improves our thought life (1 Thessalonians 5:17). As Christians, we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17); no matter what thoughts come our way we are grounded in Him and have a new identity that frees us from sin . With our new identity in Christ, we are transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• We should use discernment in the relationships we allow into our life (Proverbs 1:10- 19; 4:14- 19) because they can certainly influence our thoughts.
• If we are struggling with thoughts that are leading us into sin, we would be wise to seek counsel . As Proverbs 15:22 puts it, “Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisors, they succeed.” If we strive for godly thinking, we should accept the loving correction and encouragement from godly counselors .

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When we know truth, we are set free (John 8:32). To have more control over our thoughts, we should fill our minds with the truth and the thoughts of God revealed through His Word.
• Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." When we absorb ourselves in the truth of God's Word, our minds are renewed.
• Before ruminating on a thought, we can give it to God and ask Him to help us fight the mental battle waging war against us (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• If we are in relationships with people who tempt us to corrupt our godly morals (1 Corinthians 15:33), and in turn, tempt us to corrupt our thoughts, we should consider breaking off those relationships.
• Second Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." One way to take our thoughts captive is to remind ourselves that we are new creations.
• We should be careful about what entertainment we allow into our minds, as this will determine the nature of many of our thoughts. The Bible makes it clear that light has no fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14).
• Christians are called to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). We should actively involve God with our thoughts.
• We should fill our minds with godly thoughts. The nature of such thoughts is mentioned in Philippians 4:8: “whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
• Prayer is another helpful method of encouraging a godly thought life . When we live in a spirit of prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), it is easy to give our thoughts to God. What is not of Him will be more recognizable because we are living closely with Him. And He will be right there to take away unwholesome thoughts .
• Accountability partners may help keep our thoughts Christ-centered. Other Christians can support us spiritually as we strive for godliness in our thought life (James 5:16).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

As Christians, we are called to intentionally guard our minds from the many bad influences that can come into our thoughts. This means we must carefully choose what we watch, listen to, and engage with to ensure that our thoughts align with God’s truth . Actively inviting God into our thought life allows us to focus on what is pure and praiseworthy, take every thought captive to Christ, and rely on His strength to resist temptation. By filling our minds with Scripture and remaining in constant prayer, we embrace our new identity in Christ and allow His Spirit to transform our thinking. This daily renewal of our minds helps us to grow in freedom and walk confidently in God’s purpose for us. Ultimately, we cannot control our thoughts, but we can trust God to guide us into more godly thinking. In an age of so much readily available worldly entertainment and influences, we must be wise about what we consume that can affect our thoughts . We must also be firmly rooted in God’s Word, rely on Him for strength, and pursue relationships with believers that will encourage godly thinking.

UNDERSTAND

• Our thoughts are shaped by what and whom we surround ourselves with.
• Believers are called to take our thoughts captive and to fill our minds with Scripture.
• Instead of trying to control our thoughts, we should surrender them to Christ and allow Him to renew our minds.

REFLECT

• How do the influences in your daily life—media, relationships, or habits—affect your thoughts?
• What steps can you take to surrender your thought life to Christ and allow Him to renew your mind?
• How can you actively involve God in moments when your thoughts feel overwhelming or negative?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage others to guard their minds and focus on what is true and good?
• How can we help others recognize and resist worldly influences that corrupt our thinking?
• What role does accountability play in helping us take our thoughts captive to obey Christ?