Everything You Need to Take Thoughts Captive

Every single person has a battle in the mind. While the battle to take thoughts captive is different for each of us- the way to actually win the battle of the mind is roughly the same! In this article, there are 10 resources to give you everything you need to take thoughts captive. Changing your thoughts will literally change your life; The Bible is the foundation for changing the way you think.

I often share the pivotal moment in my own life when my thought life was bringing me to the point of surrender. The thoughts that I had related to anxiety, negativity, my own identity and a number of other things, was wearing me out. On a particularly exhausting day of battling the mind, I saw a quote- “a thought is just a thought and it can be changed” -author unknown. That simple phrase was challenging the very mindset that kept me in a thought life I desperately wanted to change.

I began to consider it was actually possible to change the way I think. However, I didn’t know how or where to even start. Taking thoughts captive actually seemed more like a pipe dream.

Fast forward to the present day- I am a licensed Christian therapist/life coach and completely in love with the Truth of God’s Word. My own struggle to get a lovely and delightful thought life (Philippians 4:8) led me to teaching others how to do the same!

Everything You Need to Take Thoughts Captive!

Before we dive into the 10 resources that will change the way you think, I have a couple disclaimers. First, reading all of the following articles/resources will only fill you with knowledge. It is the actual practice of the given tools that will change your life. It’s kind of like going to the gym- you can walk around the gym and know how to use the machines. However, if you don’t actually climb onto a machine or lift the weights- everything will be the same. Nothing will change. These resources are grounded in the Truth of God’s Word. Don’t just be listeners of the Word, be doers(James 1:22). As we roll up our sleeves and work alongside the Most High (sanctification), transformation and renewing of the mind happens. Thought transformation leads to life transformation!

Thought transformation leads to life transformation. -Sunshyne

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

What does it mean to take thoughts captive?

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

The phrase, take thoughts captive, is very popular. However, what does it actually mean? In this article, the above verse is picked apart and important words are defined. (Best part- you can download a printable bible study to get you started!) Have you ever wondered what a stronghold is? What does it mean to demolish a stronghold? What are our divine weapons? Any idea what a pretension is? Get all of these answers from, “What Does it Mean to Take Your Thoughts Captive” and download your free Bible study!

What do you really believe? It’s a BIG DEAL!

Check out this excerpt from, “What are Core Beliefs”… (Plus-another free download to help you identify your core beliefs)

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Core beliefs are the way we see ourselves, God and the world/people. At first, this may seem fairly insignificant, but our core beliefs actually inform and guide how we do life. Our view of our self, God and others is influenced by life experiences.

Our perception is our reality. Typically we don’t challenge our beliefs. Instead, we just see our core beliefs as facts. Core beliefs can be accurate or false. How do we know if these beliefs are accurate or false? As Christians, Scripture is our plumb line for Truth and where we go to determine accuracy of core beliefs. In other words, are your beliefs lining up with Scripture?

Excerpt from “What Are Core Beliefs”

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What does the Bible say about your identity?

On the heels of identifying false core beliefs, who do think you are? Check out this excerpt…

Negative self talk, harsh words from others and hard circumstances make it difficult to see ourselves clearly. By clearly, I mean through the lens of Truth. The lens through which we view ourselves has a pretty powerful impact on how we live our lives every single moment of every single day.

We say untrue things to ourselves, like… “I’m not loved”, “I’m not strong”, “I’m not enough”, “I’m not protected”, “I’m not seen” or “I’m all alone”. But, here’s the Truth (straight from the Bible)- God says otherwise. He says, “You are loved”, “You are strong”, “You are enough”, “You are protected”, “You are seen” and “You are never alone”.

When the words we say to ourselves are not based on the words God says about us, we must take those thoughts captive. The way we clean the lens through which we see ourselves requires God’s Word. This is where Biblical affirmations will change your life! Check out the full article for “I am” affirmations from the Bible. Get a free printable of all “31- I Am Affirmations from the Bible”.

Excerpt from “31 Biblical Affirmations”

What does the Bible say about controlling your thoughts?

We all want to believe we are in control of our lives, our thoughts, our homes, etc. “I like when me life is out of control”, said No One Ever! While many things in life are not within our control- our thought life is most definitely within our control! In the article, “Bible Verses About Controlling Your Thoughts”, Scripture on taking thoughts captive is highlighted and laid out in a meaningful way that helps with the puzzling parts of changing the way we think. Definitely, don’t miss this one! It is packed with encouragement from God’s Truth.

How can I transform my mind Biblically?

In the article, “How to Win the Battle of the Mind Before it Begins”, the focus is on renewing and transforming our mind before problematic thoughts gain momentum. This is like a lifestyle change for our thought life! It is a way to practice clearing out our mind so we can embrace more of the peace and joy God has for us right now!

How to Fix Your Thoughts on Jesus- And Why It’s Paramount!

I am more convinced than ever that fixing my thoughts on Jesus is the answer to everything! Check out this excerpt…

The command to fix your thoughts on Jesus is a preventative measure. The thoughts we think are powerful, yet often go unnoticed. Thinking is second nature. Consequently, just like blinking or heart beats, thoughts go under the radar. We typically don’t pay attention to what we are thinking. Thoughts are influenced by our life experiences.

We tend to notice emotions much more easily. Once we’re feeling anxious, sad or any other uncomfortable emotion – we begin to do something to relieve the discomfort. See how thoughts interact with the emotions and actions?

It’s important to clarify that fixing your thoughts on Jesus isn’t magical thinking. This practice won’t make the reality of life go away. Rather, it will help us in the midst of our circumstances. I also want to suggest that there are times when our thoughts are not entirely accurate and will lead us astray (Jeremiah 17:9).

Fixing your thoughts on Jesus is like taking a different camera angle. What was the last movie you watched? Did you notice how the same scene was shot from all different angles? We can choose the camera angle for our lives.

Often, we wrongly think we can’t control our thoughts. However, we can choose where we set our mind. Science shows that we can only think one thing at a time. Why not be purposeful and choosing to fix your thoughts on Jesus?

Excerpt from “How to Fix Your Thoughts on Jesus”

What does the Bible say about overthinking?

Overthinking and worrying makes me wish I had an off switch to my brain! In this article, signs that you are an overthinker is outlined along with 7 practical ways to get off this nightmare merry-go-round. Here is the excerpt to get you started…

Do you over think and worry incessantly about things? If so, it probably seems a lot like circling the same block over and over. I call it – getting a case of the what-ifs! Isn’t it exhausting?… imagining every single possible scenario?!

Or maybe the overthinking and worrying is more related to something you did or said. Then we replay the same situation over and over in our mind. It’s like hitting repeat on the same bad song. Ugh!

In this article, I’m gonna outline simple strategies on how to stop overthinking and worrying. I do have to warn you that obsessively overthinking is a like a stubborn stain that isn’t easily removed. Furthermore, it’s like one of those stains that you remove, but it keeps coming back. However, with practice and willingness, you might be surprised by the effectiveness of these strategies.

Imagine being more in control of your thoughts. Experts estimate the average person thinks 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts a day. If we are unable to harness those thoughts, it will be like a chaotic 3 ring circus in our head! How on earth will we be able to function, concentrate and accomplish daily tasks?

Excerpt from “How to Stop Overthinking and Worrying”

There is also a free anxiety journaling guide to help you stop the overthinking and worrying! Go here to sign up.

What does the Bible say about anxious thoughts?

This next article focuses on overcoming anxiety with God. Check out the excerpt…

If you stand back and look at anxiety and fear, it seems like the common element is the “unknown”… The prediction of danger.

Our brains hate the unknown. We prefer to know what will happen next. As a result, we fill in the gaps of missing information with our own version of what might happen in the missing gap (the unknown). In that gap we predict danger.

When our thoughts predict danger – we feel scared…

For instance, I was asked to speak on a topic that elicits strong opinions. Additionally, the audience was quite divided. Not sure of how my presentation would be received, I started to imagine the worst. It never occurred to me that the information would be well received. I didn’t imagine the positive, I only imagined the negative. (Why don’t we ever get scared of the positive possibilities?!) As a result, fear grew.

When we overcome fear with faith we are aware of the gaps of missing information, but still have confidence in something or someone bigger. That’s how you overcome anxiety with God.

Excerpt from “Overcoming Anxiety with God”

“Overcoming Anxiety with God” also has a free printable of the Attributes of God. Another great tool to take thoughts captive.

What does the Bible say about worrying about what others think?

Do you worry about what others think about you? If we are willing to be really honest here, I would say the answer is yes. Or…maybe it’s just me.

Check out this excerpt from, “Do You Worry About What Others Think”…

God knew fear of man would be an issue. The Bible speaks clearly on the topic. I will be sharing some of those Bible verses in this article. Even the world talks about worrying about what others think… it’s called “approval addiction”. Are you plagued with approval addiction?

When you are done reading this article, you’ll still fear what others think about you at times, but you will have some understanding about the root cause and what to do about the fear. And that… will help restore some joy and peace to your life.

Before we go on, I just want to say that you are pretty brave to be looking deeper into how to stop worrying about what others think of you. Most people would just continue to manage the best they can without taking the deeper look. However, awareness of the problem combined with self reflection is a game changer!

Excerpt from “Do You Worry About What Others Think?”

How to Take Thoughts Captive Online Course

As a licensed Christian Counselor and Life Coach, I believe learning how to take thoughts captive is the MOST important thing you can do in your life. It changes the way you view yourself, others and God. When we have an accurate view of our identity in Christ we change the way we do life. We live it in the power and purpose God has determined before the beginning of time. We become increasingly effective for the cause of Christ and in the good works God has prepared in advance for us to do. If this is an area you want to grow, I have good news! I have authored the only online course of it’s kind- “Take Thoughts Captive” Online Course.

If you aren’t quite ready to dive into a full course- get the free e-course to get you started!