Intrusive Thoughts, does anyone else suffer with this?

[Glenn Foster]

I struggle nearly everyday with this and it could be when I’m feeling doubt or worry or even when I’m completely over joyed. I suffer from PTSD Anxiety/OCD/Depression and I just wanna know from a true Christians perspective does anyone else go through this? I have constant thoughts in my mind saying Satan or worship Satan or another demon and I fight it back with prayer and scripture every time and I know God knows I have no intent behind it and sees my heart but half the time it feels like I’m the one putting it in my head but it comes as an impulse like something that is just stuck in my mind or my mind tends to drift to it always on the right side of my brain as well and I know that side is where fiction, imagination and bad thoughts in general reside.

I am also a very visual creative person so that just makes things more vivid for me and this mostly all stems from reading wether it be scripture or online, the thoughts instantly pop into my head especially if I fear the possibility and know I would never do it or think it, and what happens?! I think it instantly. They mostly happen when I’m about to go to bed or I’m waking up and not on my spiritual guard because I’m half asleep and incoherent. I’ve been trying to renew my faith and mind coming off a 6 yr long stray from God and I almost always feel Gods presence and the Holy Spirit and assurance but sometimes I wonder simply because like I said, I strayed and I’m fighting back trying to strengthen my faith overall.

Anyways from a true Christians perspective do I have anything to worry about and what do I need to do when these intrusive thoughts occur? I speak scripture over them always, rebuking and taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, Should I just ignore them since they aren’t true?

 

[Hekuran]

I'm sure everybody has intrusive thoughts. From what you write, though, yours are more frequent and more intrusive.

It sounds to me that you are doing the right thing. Where it's possible, ignore them because they are not reflective of the person you are and your true attitudes. Don't allow them to consume all your energy.

And then from time to time you'll have to tackle persistent intrusive thoughts head-on, speaking scripture, taking them captive to Jesus.

 

[Glenn Foster]

I'm sure everybody has intrusive thoughts. From what you write, though, yours are more frequent and more intrusive.

It sounds to me that you are doing the right thing. Where it's possible, ignore them because they are not reflective of the person you are and your true attitudes. Don't allow them to consume all your energy.

And then from time to time you'll have to tackle persistent intrusive thoughts head-on, speaking scripture, taking them captive to Jesus.

thanks so much really appreciate it! And that’s exactly what I do. I want nothing more then to be a servant and fighter for Jesus especially in these days but I find myself held back because of these constant thoughts and also the fact I havn’t been heavily into Gods word so I don’t even feel equipped spiritualy. I’ve never had these attacks/intrusive thoughts so often since I’ve been a believer. I use to get random thoughts ofcourse but nothing like this. I know the enemy (Really) messes with you when you draw closer to God. My main concern always is that God would eventually say enough is enough even though I battle this daily earnestly and forsake me, but sometimes I feel he just wants me to be still and trust in him to work. It’s the uncertainty that affects me most.

 

[Hekuran]

thanks so much really appreciate it! And that’s exactly what I do. I want nothing more then to be a servant and fighter for Jesus especially in these days but I find myself held back because of these constant thoughts and also the fact I havn’t been heavily into Gods word so I don’t even feel equipped spiritualy. I’ve never had these attacks/intrusive thoughts so often since I’ve been a believer. I use to get random thoughts ofcourse but nothing like this. I know the enemy (Really) messes with you when you draw closer to God. My main concern always is that God would eventually say enough is enough even though I battle this daily earnestly and forsake me, but sometimes I feel he just wants me to be still and trust in him to work. It’s the uncertainty that affects me most.

Yes, it's absolutely a battle for your mind. Paul says,

I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.

Be full of courage and keep going.

 

[Whendancer]

My "troubled" Brother in Christ, I, too, am one that has been diagnosed with PTSD, AND had, at one time, walked in disobedience because of past traumas and unforgiveness. Add to that borderline Aspergers and "Tah-daaaah" - me! But, I have looong looked at my circumstances through, what I call, "what GOD knew". Because He IS OMNIPRESENT- He KNEW that all that He had ordained for me, from the day of my birth, would strengthen my faith in His love and in His Word- JESUS CHRIST. ALL that I had suffered, was not in vain, because I get to share my testimonies of inner-healings, miraculous provisions, and supernatural protection from our Loving, Faithful Father. He KNEW that I would. So, that is why He has kept people who have suffered (and are still suffering) the things that we have experienced and endured....for years...coming into my life. It is part of our "calling" and REALLY has more to do with glorifying our Father in Heaven than anything else. Let me share with you what has worked for me....FOR YEARS.
1) JOB 3: 25-26 For the thing I GREATLY FEARED has come upon me, And what I DREADED has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes."
I, truly, believe that the BOOK OF JOB is for those that spend waaaaay too much time contemplating all the bad things that could happen to them instead of being just grateful for the times of peace....AND ENJOY THEM.
We READ that we have been "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20) but do we live as if we BELIEVE it? We READ that nothing can "separate us from the love of GOD" and READ the list of ALL that could TRY, but, have we REALLY put our FULL weight on those words? When we do- WE RENDER OUR ENEMY HARMLESS!
If I told you ALL that the enemy has done to me from my infantcy until now, you would wonder....How could I serve the Lord so faithfully? It is because ALL that He allowed has left me without ANY doubt that HE CAN BE TRUSTED TO KEEP ALL THAT ARE IN COVENANT WITH HIS SON - KING JESUS: THAT'S HOW!
My "JOB-like" seasons had, at one time, had my family thinking that I was GOD'S "whipping child." But, as King Jesus has brought me through fire after fire, they cannot help believe that "Someone" unseen is ON MY SIDE.
And, in this, THEY ARE RIGHT! (Psalm 56:9) The enemy KNOWS that I believe it, too. So, when he tries to make me afraid of him and what he may or may not do to me; I tell him what my Lord's ARCHANGEL (GENERAL) Michael told him in Jude 1:9 - "The Lord rebuke you!" The Lord's Holy Spirit lives within us to empower us and gives us GOD'S WORD to speak BOLDLY against anything that He has jurisdiction over....EVERYTHING! Amen? So, when I call on THE NAME OF JESUS during those times when the enemy tries to bring up ungodly things from my past or environment? I HIT HIM WITH THE NAME AND I REMIND HIM THAT THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE THAT ARE IN CHRIST JESUS! Romans 8:1
As long as I am striving to walk upright before my Lord and my Loving, Faithful Father, I speak THE NAME OF JESUS....with confidence and hope in ALL that King Jesus has spoken...and, although sometimes it takes a little time...all is well. My last "fire"was at the end of February until the end of March. But, once it was over....it was as if the "windows of Heaven" had opened over my apartment and every day since has been days of peace and comfort and contentment. I LACK NOTHING!

NOW THAT WE HAVE COVERED THE SPIRITUAL, HERE ARE SOME "NATURAL" THINGS THAT I HAVE INCORPORATED IN MY DAILY RITUALS AND ROUTINES THAT MAY, ALSO, GIVE YOU SOME RELIEF.
1) I only use natural and, some, over the counter items to keep my anxiety level waaaaay down.
Your gut is your "second brain" . If you maintain "good gut flora", you can keep yourself from excalating when you start to have "racing thoughts". Whenever my brain becomes a "runaway train", I take about 5 to 7 big spoonfuls of greek/probiotic yogurt. Kefir works better and faster at shutting off "the switch" in your gut. Try it. I stopped drinking coffee because caffeine, also, contribrutes to brain escalation. Other things that may "trigger" sensory overload are certain scents, colors, fabrics, or sounds. Certain things are associated with certain traumas from specific places. I, simply, change either one or two or all of these things and ....those thoughts and anxieties go away.....instantly. The ONLY sleep aid that I use, from time to time, is an antihistamine that I get for a dollar at a nearby store. These things work every time.
2) I give myself projects that will incorporate all of my "thinking power" so that if I am obsessed with something...it will be with something that would make me productive in my life and could be used to strengthen other members of the BODY OF CHRIST. Currently, I am learning to read and write music for piano and guitar. I will use these skills to compose PSALMSONGS for children. You may want to do a study on what translations of the BIBLE could do more harm than good.....(i.e. Why the MESSAGE BIBLE is not really a BIBLE.)
When you take your mind AWAY from thinking so much about the damage that the enemy could do to YOUR walk in Christ - and focus instead on how YOU can be a source of encouragement and help to the BODY OF CHRIST; then you won't need to worry about whether or not the enemy can pull you back into a life of sin. You will have purposed in your heart to spend ALL of your time for edifying others....then, you will get edified and strengthened as a result. REMEMBER: King Jesus rewards us for work done for His Namesake and to glorify our Father in Heaven. We ALL reap what we have sown. DON'T LET FEAR OF THE ENEMY STOP YOU FROM DOING WORK FOR THE COMING KINGDOM. Amen? BE ENCOURAGED! ALL IS WELL!

Bless the Lord, O My Soul - Psalms 103 - NKJV

Bless the Lord, O My Soul - Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with...

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