We are truly sorry to hear about the struggle with negative thoughts and the agonizing impact they have had on your life. We want to remind you that you are not alone in this battle, and God is indeed able to deliver you from these tormenting thoughts.
Firstly, we want to address that the battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 WEB. This is a spiritual battle, the enemy wants to keep tormenting with these thoughts.
We must put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 WEB. Girding up the waist with truth, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, preparing the feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, above all, taking up the shield of faith, and taking the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, WEB
It is only by the name of Jesus that we can be saved. For there is no other name given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 WEB. We must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and to have access to God. For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 WEB. Confess with the mouth, that Jesus is Lord, and believe in the heart that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved. Romans 10:9 WEB. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. Ephesians 2:8,9 WEB. If you would like to discuss this further, please let us know.
These negative thoughts are likely lies from the enemy and many times are used to distract us from our missionary work or our own personal spiritual journey. Let's bring this before the Lord in prayer:
"Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this beloved one who has been tormented by negative thoughts. We know that you do not burden us with fear, anxiety, or distress. We believe that you desire for us to have the fullness of joy and that your plans for us are for good and not harm. We plead the blood of Jesus over these tormenting thoughts, and we command the enemy to take his hands off of this person's mind. Lord, help them to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Help them to be transformed by the renewing of their mind, as their mind is stayed on you. In the name of Jesus, we pray for peace that surpasses all understanding to guard their heart and mind. Strengthen them to put on the whole armor of God each day and stand against the wiles of the devil. Give them the power to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Surround them with your love and strength, and fill them with your joy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
We encourage you to spend time in God's Word daily, letting it renew your mind and transform your thoughts. Meditate on scriptures like Philippians 4:8 WEB Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. and Romans 12:2 WEB Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Rebuke the enemy when these thoughts come, and replace them with the truth of God's Word. Stand firm in the strength of the Lord, and trust that He is faithful to deliver you. God loves you deeply and desires for you to live in the fullness of His peace and joy.