The most audacious, intrusive thought crossed my mind. I questioned it and sought its contents. God presented the truth, and then I knew the thought was a lie.
It was a productive day. I had completed most of my tasks and could finally rest. After winding down before bed, I fluffed my pillow, shifted back and forth through the bed for the perfect position, and placed my head on my pillow. I closed my eyes, and for a few minutes I felt at peace. Then I heard, “You do not deserve to rest.”
This couldn’t be right, could it? I thought. Maybe I should’ve done this or that, but I made progress today, I reasoned.
The word "intrusive" means that someone or something has entered a place where they are not welcome. A thought is a cognitive process where a belief or concept forms. When put together, it infers that someone or something has entered our minds to present a belief, prompting us to conceptualize the rationality of its contents. When we think about it, an intrusive thought at its core aligns with Satan’s intentions to deceive us. Because of his nature, we must be vigilant about his attempts.
The truth was that I needed to rest because I have a God who rested (2 Corinthians 10:5). I was accountable for entering that rest. It is an inherited promise and a command. This intrusive thought was a lie in light of Scripture’s credibility.
Therefore, we must be willing to examine our thoughts and decide what we believe to be true.
Ask God to reveal the truth. Become empowered by the love of Christ to govern your mind accordingly. May the Lord give you wisdom and discernment about your thoughts so you may experience the renewal of your mind.
Jasmine Williams is a Christian freelance writer. She is a college graduate with a BA in Psychology and some graduate school credits in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She dedicates the majority of her writing to correcting our heart postures through reflection on our lives.