Take every thought captive.

2 Corinthians 10:5

As I began praying this morning, I was led to take authority over my thoughts. Last night I was listening to Rabbi Curt Landry talk about the importance of looking forward and thinking about the future. One of the things he mentioned was how we all have a tendency to rehearse things from the past.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 AMPC “For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),”

What we focus on determines our direction. If we’re constantly trying to figure out the past or living in “the glory days”, we’re going backward. While it is good and even Scriptural to remember past victories, we must still always be forward-thinking.

In the Old Testament, we see Caleb at eighty years old ready to take possession of his promise. Because he stayed focused, he was as strong in his old age as he was as a young man. Joshua and Caleb held to God’s promises, while others looked at the circumstance and surroundings.

One of my favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:8 TLV “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise—dwell on these things.”

The mind is our battleground, and what we think about determines where we’re headed. Make the decision every morning to live 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Philippians 4:8. Don’t give the enemy place in your life through your thoughts; stand fast on the Word of God, submit to God, and resist the enemy. Follow the example of Caleb and pursue the promise until you receive it.