©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Like scary characters popping out in a haunted house, negative thoughts can burst into our minds stimulating fear, anxiety, or guilt. Mind invaders dangle into the passageways of our minds like strands of spider webs touching us, troubling us, and distracting us.
Years ago, my brother and I went as adults to an amusement park’s popular Haunted House in Orlando.
The horror started with the ticket cost! I’m an amusement park fan but paying more than $100 a person to get frightened is a lot. After all, we can read the news and get terrified without paying. I can put on a bathing suit and look in the mirror and scream.
Granted, a professional haunted house is an experience. And, the producers did it with skill. In fact, that one was done so well with actors and technology that my heart was racing, pounding even.
Screams. Eerie music. Pounding sounds. Bloodied, battered people jumping out from doorway after doorway, swinging all sorts of torture tools.
My blood pressure escalated. I knew it wasn’t real, but it was jolting, disturbing. With every turn we took, it seemed as if we were trapped. I was ready to get out.
Like the dramatic scenes in haunted houses, disturbing thoughts can invade our minds in a way that distorts reality. They churn up negative emotions, causing us to focus on the bad and not on the good in life and in us. Painful or sorrowful thoughts can leap into our minds when we awaken at night or with triggers.
A situation or an interaction may push the replay button on bad memories. Loneliness and longing cause us to fall into a crevice we struggle to crawl out of to see the light.
But God can strengthen us, shine light in our darkness, and suppress tortuous thoughts.
Here are 3 Ways to Scare Away Creepy Mind Invaders and Haunted Thoughts:
1) Fill Your Mind with Good Thoughts
Philippians 4: 8-10 says,” 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.”
The more we keep our minds full of positive, encouraging and uplifting stories, memories, words and Scripture, the less space there is for negative thoughts to take us to despair and hold us there.
Take Action: Create a file of photos that make you smile. Choose ones that bring back good memories. Add ones that remind you of God’s goodness or the beauty in His creation.
Look for stories of good that others are doing – and share them with others.
Remember the good God has done in your life and repeat it to yourself.
2) Repent from Any Sins
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
Which sins are the “Whack-a-Moles” in your life? The ones that keep jumping back in over and over again like the characters in a haunted house even when you think you’re past them. Judgement? Envy? Gossip? Anger? Bitterness?
When we specifically identify sins, we acknowledge that we know what they are, the hold they have on us, and the desire and need to release them.
Take Action: Write by hand specific thoughts, actions or reactions, including sins of omission, that indicate times you haven’t been thinking, speaking, living or loving like Christ. Pray over them and ask God to release you from their bondage. Then tear that list into tiny pieces or put it through a shredder. Release them to Him.
3) Flood Your Mind with God’s Word
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
God’s Word reminds us of His abiding love for us; convicts us of our sin; shows us the path to His peace; promises us His pardon and forgiveness; and stirs our heart toward Him and the abundant life we can experience in Him.
Take Action: Every time a disturbing thought comes in, read or speak Scripture, and praise God for His love, His forgiveness, and His faithfulness.
Read encouraging verses aloud. Write them on sticky notes and place them around the house.
Pray Scripture. Insert your name as you read it.
Memorize this verse: You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 Write a synopsis of it (and others) in a way that is personal to you.
So when creepy mind invaders threaten your sleep, your peace, or your joy, causing you to be anxious, fearful, sad, or self-deprecating, turn your eyes and your thoughts to the Lord, and call on Him and His power.
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5
- What aspects do you dislike about scary movies, haunted houses, or bad dreams?
- In what ways are mind invaders threatening your peace?
- Which recurring thoughts do you want God to block and banish from your mind? Keep asking Him. Pray for peace of mind.
- What is the most positive story you’ve heard recently?
- What is something that makes you happy when you think about it? List at least three.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)