Dangerous Pop-ups

When I am on my computer, I get various pop-ups that appear out of nowhere on my screen. Some are quite innocent, such as advertisements. Others are more sinister, like invitations to “fix your computer”. But there is another kind of pop-up that is even more dangerous than these.  They damage your soul. I’m talking about the thoughts that intrude into your mind from our enemy, Satan, or probably more likely his demons.

For instance, you are having a wonderful time of fellowship with your Lord in your quiet time and suddenly a thought causes you to veer off into the duties of the day or a problem you’re struggling to solve. These are what I call annoying thoughts.  

Other thoughts are more serious, like persistent false guilt about a sin for which you’ve confessed and repented. Maybe it is an inappropriate sexual thought that bursts upon your consciousness and makes you feel dirty and unworthy of talking with God. These are more than irritating; left to germinate in your mind, they have the potential to cause you to doubt your relationship with God and lead you into all kinds of spiritually debilitating actions.

But we do have a spiritual weapon to use against these unwanted intruders. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us we can” take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ”. This is wonderful news to the harassed and weary mind! It means that we don’t have to be slaves to unwanted thoughts anymore! By faith, we will have victory over them as we learn to renew our minds with the Word of God and use that Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit in us, to take captive our thoughts. Remember, God has given us a “Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind!” Take it and use it!