Anyone else have head battles? You know, battles that take place in your head? If someone gave out trophies for this non-sport, I would have a shelf full. Sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night thinking about an uncomfortable conversation that needs to happen, or someone who is going through a difficult time, or politics, or the world’s problems, or a million other issues, and I’ll battle in my head on what to say, how to fix something, or what another person should do or say, and on and on it goes until I’ve beaten myself bloody without talking to anyone but myself or solving any problems. 

The devil’s darts comes in various methods, and he knows how to attack our thoughts. He wants us exhausted physically, mentally,and spiritually. Mind games with the enemy are not games. The devil is out to capture our thoughts so he can keep us captive in our thoughts. Fortunately, we don’t have to play mind games with the enemy.

So, how do you get out of the battlefield of the brain? The bombardment of thoughts will come, but you have a choice what is allowed to stay. There are rules of engagement in battles. James 4:7 tells us to resist the devil and he will flee, and Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

You can control your thoughts in a fashion similar to an air-traffic controller. The thoughts may fly around, but you decide which ones have permission to land. As God’s child, you have a right (and the power) to deny access to thoughts that waste time, that would cause you to stumble or pull you away from God, or those that deprive you of sleep and soul rest.

May I suggest a mental checklist to control thoughts? When a thought comes to mind, ask yourself the following questions…

Does this thought honor God?

Will this thought be pleasing to God? (See Psalm 104:34).

Will thinking about this thought solve or help anything or anyone?

Will contemplating this thought bring me peace or rest?

What does God’s Word tell me about a thought like this?

When Christ is in you, you have His power to free you. The freedom given by Jesus Christ is for every aspect of your life. When thoughts come, when the head battles start battling, remember the power you are given in Christ, remember you are given sound judgement and a calm and well-balanced mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Take every thought captive, check them by shining God’s light on the thought, and throw out any thought not in line with His truth. And, let your little head rest in the peace of God.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NASB).

Adapted from The Forgotten Resting Place by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/2R6X3Ax