The battle in our minds can sometimes seem the most intense. We fight our minds to discern the truth in our feelings and thoughts. A fight like this can be exhausting and draining, making victory seem difficult. Today, we share how to take control of your mind and enjoy victory. We need a plan to win these battles.

Identify the specific thought.

When we experience an intense battle in our minds, it can feel like chaos, like trying to find a needle in an enormous haystack. To gain victory over our thoughts, we need to pare them down until they become specific and namable. For example, if you are anxious, pray and analyze your circumstances until you identify the core thought causing your anxiety. Getting to the root of the fear is the key to identifying the specific thought. For instance, if you're anxious about a presentation, recognize the thought, "I'm going to make a mistake," and break it down until you get to the more specific thought, "I'm going to be judged and embarrassed." In this case, the specific lying thought is that others may not approve of you or you're not good enough.

Test it.

Once you have identified the core thought, you must test it against God's Word. The Holy Spirit sometimes convicts us to amend or reorient our actions. These times may include complicated feelings and call for repentance, but they are never condemning or shaming. However, when you experience a thought that directly contradicts scripture, you know it's from the Enemy. Lying thoughts are full of fear, shame, condemnation, and despair. When you test your thoughts, those not from God must leave. The Lord says so! Here's how you do it.

Speak to it.

If a thought isn't of God, we must command it to go in Jesus' name. Death and life lie in the power of the tongue. When caught up in the chaos of lying thoughts, the Enemy may not seem intimidated by us. However, I promise you that He trembles at the name of Jesus. Do not engage the Enemy. Just say, "I see your lies, reject them, and resist you. You must leave in Jesus' name."

Replace it.

Finally, you replace the lying thought with the truth of God’s word. Recite and rehearse it until the promise of God silences any lying thought competing for your joy, peace, hope, or faith.

Here are a few examples of what you can do when the Enemy whispers:

• "You're weak!" Fight back with "No! According to Isaiah 40:31, I'm strong in Christ."
• “You are a failure.” Declare the truth of Romans 8:37, which says, "I am more than a conqueror!".
• "You are ugly!" Shut that down with Psalm 45:11, "God says I am beautiful."
• "You are worthless and unworthy!" No! The truth is, "Jesus declared me worthy according to John 3:16!"

Although it can take time and endurance to win the battle for your mind, God promises that you have already prevailed through Christ. Though you may have to speak peace to your mind, heart, and soul many times in the beginning, soon, your thoughts will align with God's words. With patience, perseverance, and faith, you can experience the power of God's words in your life astoundingly.