I had a season many years ago when I struggled with intrusive thoughts. You know, the thoughts that take you by surprise and fill you with doubt and fear. Have you ever had a thought land in your mind at a low point? Did you speak truth to it, or did you hesitate and wonder about it?

Often, we are shocked by a random thought out of nowhere, and we aren’t prepared for it. Because our thoughts are powerful, if we aren’t prepared, we can believe them and validate them by our belief. Then we are in trouble. It lands in a weak mind, and it is powerful. And because it is powerful, we think it is true. Let me give you a thought to ponder~

Until you gain control of your thoughts, you don’t have control of your life.

That is what I learned in my season. The only way I gained a peace-filled mind is by practicing disciplines rooted in Scripture. So here’s my wisdom.

2 Ways to Handle Intrusive Thoughts

1. TRUTH CARDS– Get spiral index cards. Fill out as many as you want with one or two scriptures. It won’t be long before you look for more truth statements from sermons, podcasts, or books. Record these treasures in your Truth cards. You are making a set of portable cards to go over at any time, most anywhere.

2. SCRIPTURE WRITING – Get a 1-subject notebook. Plans for monthly scripture writing are online. Or write a chapter or passage of the Bible. It doesn’t matter which one. The honor you give to His Word gives peace.

Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

This verse speaks to hiding God’s word in your heart, not for memorization, but through practice and your love for His Word. If you don’t love His Word, pray to.

You may think you don’t have time. However, if you want the peace that only God can give, you will take time to get your mind filled with God’s truth.

Psalm 119:165 – “Those who love your teachings will find true peace. Nothing will defeat them.”
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It is the result in this verse that happened and still happens to me whenever I stop and engage with scripture. Every time the Holy Spirit is active helping me.

Right now, you can get a notebook and start writing scripture. Or maybe you have some Truth Cards. Let me know in the comments if you practice these. And if you don’t, why not begin? I hope you will. It is a practical way to heal your mind and increase your hope.

©Valerie Rumfelt

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