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 II Corinthians 10:5
The Bible talks about “taking our thoughts captive” in the context of fighting for the truth of the gospel. It discusses tearing down any damaging thoughts that might take us away from the truth of the mission of Jesus in God’s plans.
I discuss with clients the idea of “taking thoughts captive” in a slightly different context. Often when clients are feeling depressed or anxious, they have been beset by irrational thoughts that are often self-defeating. I encourage people to pause when feelings of anxiety or great sadness occupy their mind. In that pause, I ask them to become aware of what their thoughts are. Are they negative and accusing? Are they thoughts filled with dreadful expectations of doom or failure? Are they reminders of past mistakes, now magnified by the passage of time? Are they assurances of future failure, or the belief that others do not like them?
In truth, it can be many things. The idea of a pause is to become aware in the moment, “what am I thinking right now?” When we do this, we are taking cognitive control of a situation that perhaps was going out of control. We ask ourselves in that moment, “Is this thought true?” By doing this we can cast down the myths that anxiety often overwhelms us with. By checking on the truth, we are able to refute the irrational nature of anxiety and depression.
I also suggest often that people write down these truths, indeed to “capture” them on paper. By doing these things, we can assume control of our thinking, and refute the self-defeating notions that our mind might be supplying.
Breathing a prayer at the time of reckoning can also slow us down, and remind us of the truth that sets us free- God loves us, right in that moment.
Prayer: Lord, we are free when we can see the truth of your love for us, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 