This is one of the most important lessons I have ever learnt. Its something I am very passionate about teaching. Its not something new. But did not realize how important it was! In my experience of ministrying to people, almost 90% do not know how to do it effectively and some don’t even do it.
There is a verse in the bible which talks about this…
2 Corinthians 10:5King James Version (KJV)
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;
Even though I know about this bible verse, there were gaps in my application. I was doing it all wrong. I thought that by ignoring or changing those thoughts, I was overcoming it. I now realize that I had to acknowledge those thoughts (not dwell) and engage it head on. As a result of learning how to “deal with it”, 50% of issues in my life, simply becomes a non-issue now.
Let me explain…
Since I was very young, there seems to be many “voices” in the form of thoughts, situations (past and present) and feelings that would be a constant companion. Of course, there were neutral ones, some good ones but mostly negative. I never knew how to healthily or effectively deal with it. There were often times in my youth and even adult life that I entertain negative thoughts about myself which drove me to insecurity and fear. I didn’t know that I could resist it and not fall into “pity-party”. I knew “pity-party” is not something that I should fall into… The “poor me” moments. But often, I didn’t even know I “attended” or even “hosted” a “pity party”. During moments that I did realize, I felt guilt.
Understanding what is Battle of the Mind
There are many books which has been written about the subject of the mind and a popular one is Battle of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. Its good to read books like that to understand the issues that goes through our mind. For me, after reading such a good book, I need practice. Yes, practice. Meaning, to do it repetitively till it becomes a habit.
Discerning When in Battle
Knowing about the battles and practicing to battle is a whole different book. LOL. I would like to add an additional thing.. its to discern. What does it mean to discern? Discerning means to know WHEN you are in a battle and when you are not. Half of the battle is won when you know WHEN you are in a “battle”. It is so SUBTLE that most of the time we miss it. Why? Because of the lack of discernment. Have you heard of this phrase? “Deception is very deceiving?”
When There is Too Much “Garbage”
I realized that when I had too much of emotional woundedness, fear, insecurity, guilt, shame, regrets, anger, etc. I was not in a good place to discern if I was in a battle or being bombarded with all kinds of thoughts. The reason was mostly because I didn’t have peace and was already in so many “battles” at that time. Each situation of emotional woundedness, fear, insecurity, guilt, shame, regrets and anger is a battle by itself. Example, I could be having a situation at work, problems with Mother-in-law, the kids, marriage, ministry, self-esteem, etc. Its like this, if I have a mountain of garbage in my garden, will it matter if I have an additional piece or two thrown in too? I wouldn’t even notice it if a neighbour comes over and throw another 2 pieces. But if the scenario is as such that I have a very clean garden, I will notice if there is even a piece of garbage there. That would require regular cleaning.
How to Effectively Battle and Win
- Regularly remove woundedness (garbage) by doing Emotional Healing in this youtube video here.
- Discern if you are being attacked or bombarded by negative thoughts or situation.
- If yes, “Reject”, “It’s not me” or “Don’t Receive”. Verbally or mentally say, “No”.
Let me give you examples of scenarios…
The above 4 scenarios are possible situations that can happen to us on a daily basis or as and when it occurs.
There is a teaching by Dawna DeSilva (co-founder of SOZO an Inner Healing and Deliverance ministry of Bethel Church) on Shifting Atmosphere here. Its a good teaching.
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