Sometimes as we read the Word we think, “this is impossible, sure it sounds good but how do I do it?” We are struggling just to make it through the day. What about all those “what if” thoughts that plague us. The thoughts come and race through our heads with all kinds of scary senareos. A panic attack lurks around every corner. But wait, is this how God wants us to live? Not really. He wants us to live at peace with ourselves.
Suppose that God would create a baby and just plop it down somewhere here on earth to fend for itself. How long do you think that baby would last? Not very long I’m sure. But, God doesn’t work that way, he creates babies and gives them to mothers to care for and nourish them. That way the baby can grow and mature into a healthy person.
God knew that we could not fend for ourselves either after we become a new person in Christ, so he sent the Holy Spirit to live in each of us to help nourish and care for us. If you have made Jesus Christ Lord of you life then you have the Holy Spirit living in you.
Joh 14:15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever, Joh 14:17 even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.
With the help of the Holy Spirit we can be overcomers! We can conquer our troubled thought lives and have the fruit of the spirit, self-control.
Here is a wonderful scripture that helped me.
2Co 10:5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; (ASV)
He says we can cast down imaginations. Do you realize that a lot of the things we worry about and fret over are just our imaginations? They are things that never come to pass. We have a tendency to blow things out of proportion and think “what if” this or that happens. These thoughts can effect us physically by making our blood pressure rise, our hearts race, and our hands to perspire. God says we can cast these thoughts down. Just throw them out!
Also, he says we can bring into captivity our thoughts to the obedience of Christ.
Wow! When you capture someone or something it means you have them in your possession and you are in control. Isn’t that great! You would have self-control not the other way around where your thoughts are controlling you. I love this verse. It tells me that God has made a way so that our thoughts don’t have to control us.
If you have been experiencing panic attacks for some time you have most likely developed some bad thought habits. Take time out today to think about what you think about. Are they worry thoughts? Are you consumed with how you feel? Is every symptom or feeling multiplied? We have to learn to replace our bad thinking with good thinking. This takes time, but with prayer and help from the Holy Spirit we can do it.
God in his wisdom has told us what he wants us to replace those bad thought habits with.
Phi 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Phi 4:9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
As you examine your thoughts today you can see if they line up with the above. Are they true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, full of praise? If we can learn to think according to God’s will we can have God’s peace. Did you notice the things mentioned above are really a picture of Christ?
Col 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.
As we set our minds on the things above we will get our thoughts off ourselves and find we are much more peaceful.
Pray and ask God for the wisdom you need to get a healthy thought life.
Jam 1:5 But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him
I pray this message will bless you hearts and minds today, and I welcome your comments.
Blessings,
Bonnie
hatchcreek.com Bible blog 
Dear Donna,
Thanks for your comment.
It is true that the Word of God is alive. That is why you can read it one time and get something out of it and then at another time in your life read the same portion of the Word and get something else.
The Bible is the only book that the words are alive. They speak to our hearts as they are the inspired words of God through the Holy Spirit.
Man’s words are not the same. That is why in my writings I actually post the scriptures themselves and not just the reference to them. Then, God can use His Word as He wishes.
Bonnie
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Bonnie,
I reread this wonderful devotional on our thoughts and got so much more out of it. It seems that when we read something that pertains to us at a certain time in our life, such as my thoughts have been going astray a lot lately, I read this and it calmed me down instantly because I believe when we read the truth, we know it. Thank you for helping me and I know countless others who have suffered with pd and agoraphobia and other illnesses.
Love,
Donna
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Dear Ivan,
First, I want you to know that I am not a professional anything, so take anything I say as just thoughts from a friend.
Have you been diagnosed with bipolar from a doctor? If so, are you on medication? If you are taking your meds then it would seem like you should be leveled off. So, I think it best if you contact your dr. and see if your meds need adjusting. When we have true problems with our brain chemistry then we do need to take medications to get us regulated. I believe God uses medications to help us with our physical problems.
There is a difference between physical and spiritual problems. If you get the physical problems in control then you can deal with the spiritual ones.
I hope this helps in some way and I will pray for you.
Blessings,
Bonnie
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Hey Bonnie, I have a very negative thought life.I have bipolar and cant seem to control these thoughts which cause me to sin and grow further away from the Lord,sometimes I think God doesn’t want to help me any more.Right now I’m in my depressed episode because of bipolar disorder.When I had my highs I excepted Jesus as my Lord and savior.I pray but the evil thoughts still come.What should I do.
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Hi Bonnie,
As I said in my letter to you, I find your writings inspirational and I’m posting this reply to see if you get it from your website. Write and let me know okay. 🙂
Love,
Donna
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