How do you fight intrusive thoughts?

[Struggling]

I hate them intrusive thoughts. They come at the most unexpected time and they always pop-up memories of the time before I was in Christ. They always bring back memories of (sorry for the word use) pornography. I've long given up on those things. And since I gave them up, I've been fighting the sin of Sexual Immorality and diminished it to the point where it only exists in my mind. Sadly, it already formed a stronghold in my mind and there, I suspect it is the source of the intrustive thoughts tempting me to return to watching (sorry again) pornography.

The good thing is that the Holy Spirit has prevented me from watching such profanity again. But as long as that stronghold exists, I'll always be in the risk of being tempted to return to watching pornography. So I need help to overcome this stronghold.

So in short, my question is: How do you fight intrusive thoughts?

And if you can answer my question: How do you control your mind?

Thank you! May God be with you!

- Your brother in Christ, Struggling.

[Jayne]

Brother, you are describing a problem common to all Christians.  ALL of us are going to experience intrusive thoughts.

It's kind of like this.  People can be bombarded with intrusive VISUAL stimuli.  A man might be driving down the road and here comes a billboard with a half-naked woman on it.  Or in my case, there always the man or two here in the Deep South who comes to church with his tight Sunday dress denims on.

The first look is accidental.  The second and longing look is the sin.

In the case of intrusive thoughts - our mind is a battle field and the devil is going to throw grenades of horrible thoughts our way.  The first flicker of the wicked thought is an attack and not sinful.  But the dwelling on it and allowing it to fester in our minds is the sin.

And there are all KINDS of thoughts that the devil uses to make us feel out of control of our thoughts:

• sexual perversions
• thoughts of revenge
• repetitive mental do-overs of the past that will accomplish nothing - the past is over
• instant and judgmental thoughts of new people we meet
• thoughts of justification of our sins [You know, "At least I'm not as bad as old so-and-so!!]
• covetous thoughts - we lie and tell someone we are happy for them when in reality we are very, very jealous
• and so MUCH, MUCH more

You aren't alone.  What do do?

• The instant the thought comes say to yourself, "That's not for me anymore.  I reject that thought in the name of Jesus."
• Tell God you are struggling with this.
• Confess to God that your past - which HE has forgiven - has its hooks in you mentally and spiritually sometimes.
• Follow the instructions of the Word of God = "Think on good things - honest, true, pure, noble, praiseworthy, and more.
• Memorize scripture - David said, "Your Word I have hid in my heart that I might not sin against You." 
• Paul said in 2 Corinthians that we need to "cast down" every imagination that is against the knowledge of God.  Whisper in your mind, "I cast this thought down in the name of Jesus".
• Find an accountability partner going through the same thing and pray for each other and report to each other how you are doing.
• Be very, very, VERY careful what you watch, read, view, think on, and more.  Even some things we think are benign can lead to sin.

Most of all, don't think that you are alone.  There a whole world of us out here who battle intrusive thoughts.

[gdemoss]

2 hours ago, Struggling said:

I hate them intrusive thoughts. They come at the most unexpected time and they always pop-up memories of the time before I was in Christ. They always bring back memories of (sorry for the word use) pornography. I've long given up on those things. And since I gave them up, I've been fighting the sin of Sexual Immorality and diminished it to the point where it only exists in my mind. Sadly, it already formed a stronghold in my mind and there, I suspect it is the source of the intrustive thoughts tempting me to return to watching (sorry again) pornography.

The good thing is that the Holy Spirit has prevented me from watching such profanity again. But as long as that stronghold exists, I'll always be in the risk of being tempted to return to watching pornography. So I need help to overcome this stronghold.

So in short, my question is: How do you fight intrusive thoughts?

And if you can answer my question: How do you control your mind?

Thank you! May God be with you!

- Your brother in Christ, Struggling.

The first thing I do is to get intimately connected with others on a mental and spiritual level.  This satisfies the same desires that seeing pornographic images does.  

I spend a lot of time talking to others about the toughts that I have as well as time putting good things in to think about for one must of necessity have a sufficient substitute. I choose to meditate on the things of God during down time.

My mind has continuously been healing.  I don't suffer from euphoric recall like I once did.  My mind has been retrained.

[manuelf324]

In the IT world there is a saying GIGO stands for garbage in garbage out. 

I changed it to God in God out. Abundance of the heart the mouth speak. Stay daily in the word do your best to stay away from the filth that you see and hear. They cleave to your mind. In spiritual warfare you need Armour thats daily prayer. Sword of the Spirit KJV. Reading is NOT ENOUGH YOU MUST ABSORB SCRIPTURE MEMORIZE IT. 

I know the Best Scripture for intrusive thought by heart.

Our weapons of warfare are not carnal but mighty through God in the pulling down of strongholds 

Casting down imaginations(intrusive thought) against every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God (mans wisdom vs Gods wisdom) 

BRINGING INTO CAPITIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST 

SIMPLY PUT SANTICFY YOUR THOUGHT LIFE! WHAT A MAN THINKETH IN HIS HEART SO IS HE. The more Scripture you memorize the more difficult it is to relive past sins or repeat present sins.

Sin begin in the mind then creeps into your heart. This is difficult to do if there's a ton of Scripture already in your heart. 

Thy word I haved hid in my heart so I might not sin against thee 

Intrusive thoughts could also come from the company you keep or the church you go to. MEDITATE ON THE WORD KJV AND YOUR CONSCIENCE WILL BE CLEAR ENOUGH TO SERVE GOD. You can't be used of God if it isn't 

PURGE  your CONSCIENCE from dead works to serve the living God 

Your the soldier your mind is the battlefield How do you know if the thought is of God? See if it lines up with Scripture!

The BIBLE IS MY ANCHOR THAT PREVENTS ME FROM BEING TAKEN AWAY IN THIS OCEAN OF FILTH CALLED  THE LOST WORD! ! !! ! ! 

You dont stand for something KJV

YOU WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING!!!! 

Put on your Armour shield of faith to quench the fiery darts (intrusive thoughts) of the wicked.

Pray WITHOUT CEASING! 

NOT A SUGGESTION A HOLY COMMANDMENT

Edited April 25, 2016 by manuelf324

[kwikphilly]

Blessings

    

Quote

 I'll always be in the risk of being tempted to return to watching pornography.

The first step to "renewing your mind" is t o be mindful of our words,,,,,,,,"I"LL ALWAYS BE".................yes,my friend,you will ,as long as you have claimed that as your own,,,,it is yours!!!!!!!

This morning I listened to a sermon & one statement really stood out to me,,,,,,,"the mouth goes faster than the mind!",,,,,,,You asked how to "control "your mind,How to fight intrusive thoughts,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Do you remember the old saying"An idle mind is the devils workshop" ,,,,,,,,Well,that is true & it is not about 'controlling" the mind but controlling the tongue

The mind is like an empty cup,fill it with the things God says to fill it with ,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Quote

King James Bible
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
                                                             Phil 4:8

If that cup is filled to the brim with the things of God then there is no room for thoughts of any other kind ,to have "intrusive thoughts" is a good indication that you are not filling your spirit ,your mind ,yourself with what is good & nourishing for growth & you are hindering that NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST JESUS from being "born again",holding on to the old man

The enemy looks for cracks & crevices,Praise God,read His Word,talk to Him,kneel down & worship,pray without ceasing & by all means,,,,be mindful of your "words",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the enemy puts thoughts in your mind when there is room,how does he know there is room?  By your actions & your WORDS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"I'll always be in the risk of being tempted to return",,,,,Ahh,says the enemy,it's working!!!!!!!!!

Be mindful of your words,An intrusive thought enters your mind,,,,,,,,,Jump up & Praise the Lord,shout ,,,,,,"Halleluyah! I am a New Creature in Christ Jesus & Free indeed",,,,,,,,,,,,dance around the house glorifying God,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the enemy will think,What happened ,did he not hear me?  Yes,"Resist the devil & he will flee",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,You are  "resisting" to act upon the temptation,y our words are claiming WHO you are in Christ,,,,,,,,,,you are more than a conqueror ,born again ,free indeed,signed,sealed,sanctified & Saved!!!!!!!!

The devil is that lion looking for who he CAN devour,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you are not the one he can,claim it,own it ,stand on the Position of Victory Jesus afforded you,,,,,,boldness,confidence in Gods Word!!!!!! A predator is an opportunist,he does not persist in going after the strongest,the alpha,,,,,,,he preys on the weak,the vulnerable........................I can do ALL things in Christ Who strengthens me!!!! We renew our minds by giving up self & focusing on Jesus,,,,His heart,His Mind,His Authority,He is Lord & Savior,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,To God be the Glory!                Love,Kwik
 

[Ezra]

12 hours ago, Struggling said:

So in short, my question is: How do you fight intrusive thoughts?

1. The first thing to be clear about is that you can control your thoughts.

2. Concentrate on Bible study, Bible memorization, and Bible truth.

3. Focus on Christ and who you are in Christ.

4. Have a definite purpose in life, and work and study towards that.

5. Understand that God has a ministry for you to fulfil, and your time and energy should go towards that.

6. Spend much time in prayer and communication with God.

It is only when we are idle that our minds wander.  If you are concentrating on something of significance, you mind will stay focused.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8,9).

[spiderman1917]

I found it helpful to write letters to God

[angels4u]

6 minutes ago, spiderman1917 said:

I found it helpful to write letters to God

2 Corinthians 10:5

⁵ 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.

[Guest Teditis]

One thing might be for you to define what pornography IS... and I'm not merely speaking of the word "pornography".

But look into what it is for everyone involved (including God) so that you can see and hopefully develop a hatred towards it.

In other words find something in it that you hate about it... not merely that you know God hates it, but why He hates it.

See that the viewer begins to objectify women and see them as vehicles to satisfy sexual pleasure... there's very little "Love"

in that. Learn to know what it is to truly love another person, particularly a woman/wife. Notice how it draws you away from

realizing the type of Love that God wants us to experience. Realize that it has turned you into a fornicator and determine to

find out why that would displease God.

Also, think about what it does to the people that produce porn...the families that are devastated by it. The degrading morals

that they contribute to a failing world mindset. How that mindset has insidiously woven it's way into the very fabric of our

culture. How the sex-trade flourishes and young people are forced into the life of slaves.

Well the list goes on and on... think about it and come up with reasons that you personally don't want to be involved in it or any

part of it. Increase your fidelity to God and His will that we live a life that promotes a world view that reflects His nature.

So instead of shunning it and running away from the thoughts, embrace them and realize that you are involved in a sinful set

of behaviors that you're seeking to change. See the ugliness of the sin and let your spirit be so revolted by it that you naturally turn

from it... the Holy Spirit will guide you into that kind of growth.

[RustyAngeL]

On 4/25/2016 at 9:26 AM, kwikphilly said:

Blessings

    

The first step to "renewing your mind" is t o be mindful of our words,,,,,,,,"I"LL ALWAYS BE".................yes,my friend,you will ,as long as you have claimed that as your own,,,,it is yours!!!!!!!

This morning I listened to a sermon & one statement really stood out to me,,,,,,,"the mouth goes faster than the mind!",,,,,,,You asked how to "control "your mind,How to fight intrusive thoughts,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Do you remember the old saying"An idle mind is the devils workshop" ,,,,,,,,Well,that is true & it is not about 'controlling" the mind but controlling the tongue

The mind is like an empty cup,fill it with the things God says to fill it with ,,,,,,,,,,,,,

If that cup is filled to the brim with the things of God then there is no room for thoughts of any other kind ,to have "intrusive thoughts" is a good indication that you are not filling your spirit ,your mind ,yourself with what is good & nourishing for growth & you are hindering that NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST JESUS from being "born again",holding on to the old man

The enemy looks for cracks & crevices,Praise God,read His Word,talk to Him,kneel down & worship,pray without ceasing & by all means,,,,be mindful of your "words",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the enemy puts thoughts in your mind when there is room,how does he know there is room?  By your actions & your WORDS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"I'll always be in the risk of being tempted to return",,,,,Ahh,says the enemy,it's working!!!!!!!!!

Be mindful of your words,An intrusive thought enters your mind,,,,,,,,,Jump up & Praise the Lord,shout ,,,,,,"Halleluyah! I am a New Creature in Christ Jesus & Free indeed",,,,,,,,,,,,dance around the house glorifying God,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the enemy will think,What happened ,did he not hear me?  Yes,"Resist the devil & he will flee",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,You are  "resisting" to act upon the temptation,y our words are claiming WHO you are in Christ,,,,,,,,,,you are more than a conqueror ,born again ,free indeed,signed,sealed,sanctified & Saved!!!!!!!!

The devil is that lion looking for who he CAN devour,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you are not the one he can,claim it,own it ,stand on the Position of Victory Jesus afforded you,,,,,,boldness,confidence in Gods Word!!!!!! A predator is an opportunist,he does not persist in going after the strongest,the alpha,,,,,,,he preys on the weak,the vulnerable........................I can do ALL things in Christ Who strengthens me!!!! We renew our minds by giving up self & focusing on Jesus,,,,His heart,His Mind,His Authority,He is Lord & Savior,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,To God be the Glory!                Love,Kwik
 

Amen Kwik.