When you are all of sudden bombarded with unwanted, disturbing, evil, or immoral thoughts, you actually have the power to quench those thoughts quickly. You can simply say, “No, I will not entertain this thought.” So whether you’re at work, church, driving your car, home washing dishes, at a coffee shop in a daze, or standing in front of someone talking, thinking about something you shouldn’t be thinking of doing or saying, you can get rid of that mental attack quicker than you think.

You see, the problem comes in when the more you ponder, marinate, or toy with the idea or imagination, it will then have the potential to become an unwanted action. If this happens, then you’ll find yourself in the repentance zone. But you won’t have to go there, if you simply fight the thought off by praying, rejecting it, and quenching it quickly and completely like a fire. In other words, put it out, sis!

Kick it out with the Word of God.

One of my favorite Scriptures that I use when I have thoughts that enter my mind that I know are contrary to God’s Word is 2 Corinthians 10:5 declaring, “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.” Here is where you and I have the power to cast down imaginations (such as fantasies, the devil’s notions, negative words, pornographic or sexually immoral thoughts, etc.).

We have to arrest these unwelcome or sinful thoughts quickly, before damage is done. Food for thought. Do you know how many adulterous situations would’ve never taken place had the initial thoughts of sleeping with someone other than their own husband were captured? It’s true. Marriages and families would not have been broken by distrust or destroyed through divorce or consequences.

Also, do you know how many homosexual relationships would’ve never started, had the thoughts of being with another woman stopped quickly. Or pregnancies out of wedlock would’ve never happened had the thoughts of having sex outside of marriage (fornication) been stopped in its tracks? This is real life, and real talk, sis. We have to win these battles against our great enemy Satan’s schemes and tactics. Remember, his life-long calling is to get us, as God’s daughters, to sin against our heavenly Father by any means necessary. He is not our friend, so we should not play with him.

Lastly, do you know how many “gone too far” arguments would’ve never happened had the mental attack of saying negative, evil, mean, or condescending words were stopped before they were released through a quiet, quick, and personal prayer? James 1:19-21 says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce righteousness that God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” (NLT) Amen!

You see, thoughts can be very powerful and so can words. But the Word, prayer, and obedience to what God says, has far more power! I believe we not only need to echo the words of King David, but also follow what he wrote in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Listen. If you’ve struggled in this area where unwanted, evil, or sexually immoral thoughts have crept into your mind, I want you to know, as your sister in Christ, that you can overcome them by getting rid of this mental attack fast, because that’s exactly what it is. The keys are repentance if you’ve entertained them, and going forward… to guard your mind and your heart. I would also add to guard those whom you love (which include your husband, children, family members, friends, church family, co-workers, and neighbors by what you do and say).

It’s all about renewing your mind. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” So if what you are thinking or about to say contradicts God’s Word or is negative or wrong, think again before you act or speak. Let God transform your mind and replace them with good thoughts and positive words that will please Him in the end.

We can do this, sis. We can win more battles in this area with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us and produces the good fruit of self-control (as written in Galatians 5:22). We can get rid of a mental attack QUICKLY. Try it this week if it comes.

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: Do you ever struggle in this area, sis? Do you find yourself thinking about things that you know in your heart you shouldn't be dwelling upon? If so, want to talk about it? Or need prayer on it? Let me know here or you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.

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