I suffer from intrusive thoughts all the time. I feel like I’m fighting against myself. As a mom it’s a scary experience. As a daughter of God, I know I don’t have to be afraid.
Related: How to see God working in your life
What are intrusive thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are distressing and unwanted thoughts that pop in your mind but aren’t something that you would do.
Some of my intrusive thoughts are:
- What if I drop my baby off of this balcony?
- What if I drive off of this highway?
- What if I step on my child?
- What if I just left and never came back?
The what if’s rage war inside of my head trying to take over my thoughts and potentially my actions.
These thoughts are scary. But I have the God of all creation on my side fighting for me. God says:
“For I did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind”.
~1 Timothy 1:7
God gave us the holy spirit so we can fight the spiritual battle that rages all around us. I don’t have to be afraid of all of the what if’s because God will protect me and my children. He loves my children more than I do- which sounds crazy and is sometimes hard to believe because I know how much I love them.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!…”
~1 John 1:3a
Satan is looking to devour our minds and thoughts. He will sneak into every nook that he is let into.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
~1 Peter 5:8
I am working on being sober-minded, but I am weak. And only with Jesus’ help am I able to continue.
I frequently give into the devil’s craftiness in how he twists my thoughts and tries to deceive me.
“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”
~2 Corinthians 11:3
When I struggle with these thoughts I try to speak out against Satan. Usually just in my mind so no one thinks I’m crazy. But in my mind I firmly tell Satan to begone.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
~James 4:7
When I resist these intrusive thoughts they usually go away and do not return. I try to stay strong in God.
“have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged , for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
~Joshua 1:9
We are commanded to think on good things:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. “
~Philippians 4:8
By focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, admirable, lovely, praiseworthy, and excellent I won’t have room in my mind for the intrusive thoughts.
I know God has a plan for me and I try every day to follow it and take comfort in his leave and hope.
““For I know the plans I have for you” says the lord “plans of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope””
~Jeramiah 29:11
When you struggle with intrusive thoughts, take a minute to pray and ask God to give you excellent thoughts. Submit your heart and mind to God. Pray that he would guide you to his plans and give you courage. Ask him to walk with you as you fight the spiritual battle against Satan. Praise him for aiding you and for the good in your life.
If intrusive thoughts are significantly impacting your life please seek out professional help.
