Keeping Every Thought Captive

Scripture Thought for the Week: We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (The Holman Illustrated Study Bible)
In my files I have the following quote, Sometimes I allow my thoughts to take me on a detour down What if Lane through the I Should Have Valley all the way to the Worst Case Scenario Theme Park. How appropriately this comment is stated regarding human finite minds; especially since rambling thoughts have been experienced by children of God down through the ages. Arent Christians the ones that rise up against those arguments and offensive remarks and statements that are contrary to the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Arent the soldiers of the Living God the defenders of the Banner of Christ who take captive not only the unbelievers, but the thoughts that emerge from our own doubts and fears? If only Christians were that strong on a continuous basis. The Message quotes a passage of scripture from Nehemiah, Chapter 9 that details the Israelites that traveled day-by-day for forty years with the stellar leader, Moses. This translation reads, But they, our ancestors, were arrogant; bullheaded, they wouldnt obey your commands. They turned a deaf ear; they refused to remember the miracles you had done for them; They turned stubborn, got it into their heads to return to their Egyptian slavery. And you, a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, incredibly patient, with tons of loveyou didnt dump them. Yes, even when they cast a sculpted calf and said, This is your god who brought you out of Egypt, and continued from bad to worse, You in your amazing compassion didnt walk off and leave them in the desert. The Pillar of Cloud didnt leave them; daily it continued to show them their route; The Pillar of Fire did the same by night, showed them the right way to go. Why is it that God continues to work with us even when we knowingly turn away from the GPS given us by our Creator through the gift of the Holy Spirit? Can we continue using the excuse of being human? How can we avoid worrying, fretting and having our minds ramble with worst case scenarios?

Referring to The Message once again, Philippians, Chapter 4 states, Dont fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of Gods wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. Its wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, Id say youll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, graciousthe best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. The next time you find yourself heading for the What If Lane or the I Should Have

Valley or maybe youre thinking of entering the Worst Case Scenario Theme Park
.dont! Grab your Bible and begin to read II Corinthians 10:5 or Philippians 4:4-9. Afterwards, bow your head and pray that the God of the Universe will cover you with mercy and grace and to either erase the concern or give you strength to endure the situation taking captive every thought in obedience to Christ!

Thank you, Lord, for loving us and providing for each need and care we encounter. Keep us strengthened with knowledge and eager to obey Gods commands. In Jesus name, Amen!