God promises us a sound mind: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)

He told us how to have a sound mind:

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Women have asked me how to do this, so I am going to give you some examples:

“My husband is driving me crazy!” Taking captive: “Love suffers long.”

“He’s being unkind to me.” Taking captive: “Love is not easily offended.”

“I’m feeling overwhelmed!” Taking captive: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“I feel like I can’t take it anymore.” Taking captive: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

“My pain is so bad!” Taking captive: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

“I’m so worried about my rebellious son.” Taking captive: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

“They hurt my feelings.” Taking captive: “Self-pity is satanic.”

“I’m having trouble sleeping!” Taking captive: “I will pray and sing praise songs in my mind, for God is my maker who gives songs in the night.” (Job 35:10)

“I’m worried about the future.” Taking captive: “She shall rejoice in time to come because she knows who holds the future!”

“I want to marry and have babies so badly!” Taking captive: “God is good, and His plan for you is good.” (Romans 8:28)

“I don’t know what I should do with my life.” Taking captive: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.”

“I have so many scars from my childhood. I will never be able to change.” Taking captive: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

“I’m not that bonded with one of my children.” Taking captive: “I will love that child as God commands that I love them even if I don’t feel like it.”

“I don’t feel like giving him sex!” Taking captive: “I love my husband and want to please him.”

“I really want to groan and complain because of how bad I feel.” Taking captive: “Just because I feel miserable doesn’t mean I should make my family miserable.”

“I don’t like how God made me.” Taking captive: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!”

“My husband is so lazy.” Taking captive: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” And, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to use in edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

“They have it easier than me, a better house, nicer stuff, etc.” Taking captive: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” And “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 “I am going to give them a piece of my mind!” Taking captive: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

“This battle is too hard.” Taking captive: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

“They really hurt me, and I can not forgive them.” Taking captive: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

“I am fearful and worried. I am so stressed out!” Taking captive: “Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” and “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” and “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

“I’m suffering from extreme emotional shifts.” Taking captive: “Be still and know that he is God.”

“I don’t feel close to God.” Taking captive: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“He was rude to me.” Taking captive: “A soft answer turns away wrath.”

“I am exhausted and worn out.” Taking captive: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” And, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

There are many more, but now you have an idea how to do it! Remember, practice makes perfect. When you have any wrong, negative, or critical comment, kick it out immediately and replace it with truth.

*I didn’t add the Scripture reference to every verse since when I say them to myself, I don’t say the reference. Not all of them have references, but if you know God’s Word and have wisdom, you can easily remind yourself of His will for you, even if there’s not an exact verse.

Please listen to this sermon by John MacArthur on Godly Thinking.

Here is another great one by James Knox called The Battle in the Mind.

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