When you tell yourself, I can’t overcome this addiction, whose thought is that?
Or when you think, I have to have this drink, whose thought is that?
Or when you entertain such thoughts as, I am nothing. I have no value. I don’t have power over my emotions of lust or anger, who is doing the talking?
We know these thoughts come from Satan because they are all lies, and he is the father of lies (John 8:44).
Satan makes quick work of planting thoughts and directing them. But his thoughts do not have to have the last word. You have the power to control your own thoughts. So, how should you respond to Satan’s suggestions? The same way Jesus did when Peter tried to keep Him from going to the cross. Peter told Jesus, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”
To which Jesus replied, “Get behind Me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:22-23).
Jesus knew that the words came from Peter, but the thoughts came from Satan. And when Satan gets into your mind, he gets into your actions. The key to overcoming him is to take your thoughts captive.
How can a believer discern between thoughts planted by Satan and the believer’s own thoughts?
Study Further:
“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 8:44 NLT
“And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest.”
Hebrews 3:1 NLT
