Thursday, September 15, 2022
Do you know what “taking thoughts captive” means?
In 2 Corinthians 10:5, there is a verse that talks about taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ. What does that mean? And what does that have to do with better mental health?
First it means taking the thoughts we have, and replacing them or trading them for what Jesus thinks about it (whatever “it” is). What does that have to do with better mental health? It's one of the ways we can receive the life change that is only possible through him. Remember the Christian life isn't a set of rules to follow, it's about a personal relationship with him that transforms us.
So as an example, if you woke up tomorrow morning feeling unloved, angry, frustrated or fearful, maybe even thinking something like "If only I could do this, then I would be loved", the strategy isn't to just tell yourself to not think that (or worse, believe it's true). Instead take 1 minute and replace those thoughts for the unfailing love of God for you using a verse like this:
John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”
Reflect on how you can remain in the love Jesus has for you. Consider how living from his love probably changes the way your whole day feels and looks. We live different when we know we're loved. Read it again. Say it out loud. Tell God what you’re feeling, especially all those feelings that are the opposite of love, and then return again to the verse. Meditate on it throughout the day. Keep doing it or find a different verse for the next day on how God loves and do it again.
Parents of Kids & Students:
You are the most important resource for your kid’s healing process, and it’s important you care for your own mental health as you care for your kid’s.
Here are some self-care practices:
- Take a walk
- Take some deep breaths
- Grab a journal and jot down your thoughts and feelings
A question you can ask to reflect is this: “What are some of the biggest misconceptions you’ve had about mental health as it relates to parenting?”