Imaginations

I am pondering the scripture in 2 Corinthians 10:5…Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Lets look at a quick summary the control our mind has over our actions, feelings, and general health and well being.

FEAR: Imagination can cause peoples minds to run wild when things like a car begins to make noises or is diagnosed with a problem that can not be fix immediately. “What happens if the axle breaks or the engine catches on fire?” Grant it those are extreme and things one needs to address yet, imagination videos a picture in your mind of you dying along the road side in a accident and though nothing has happened, you become paralyzed with fear robbing you of mobility, even sleep. Have you ever been in a place like this? Fear hath torment.

LOSS OF SELF ESTEEM: Another example is maybe you have hopes and dream about a trip to another country. You have reached out to friends and more to help support your dream and now it looks like your goal and ambition to travel has come up short of funds and your afraid of how this will effect those who have supported you and what this will do to your relationship with them. “They believed in me and now I’ve let them down and myself as well.” Disappointments and failed dreams or goals can make our imagination hit rock bottom loosing self esteem. And lack of self esteem causes depression and many times withdrawal , even immobility to face the days.

I could go on with more examples but I want to address the positive side here of the scripture. God wants you and I to “cast down imaginations” that rise up in our daily life puff up in our minds in fear and destroy our self worth. He wants “every thought” to be subject to His authority and because He knows all things He wants you and I to trust His knowledge will work all things together for our good. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, THOUGHTS OF PEACE, AND NOT OF EVIL, to give you an expected end. KJV.

Jeremiah 29:ll New International Version states it this way: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalms 23:4 is another scripture that declares victory over fear…”I will fear NO EVIL., for thou art with me…”

Next time you find your mind wandering in the dark imaginations of life, take charge of your thoughts and cast them down with the word of God, bring peace and restoring hope and joy to your mind, body and soul.