Where does your battle come from?

Have you ever struggled with negative thoughts? Have you ever battled obsessive thinking or even thoughts of suicide? Maybe you faced thoughts of shame or self-loathing. I’ve discovered through years of counseling and leadership training that the root of most of our problems is our thoughts.

Although the Bible warns us that “...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV), it’s pretty clear to me that our greatest battles are in our brains. Yes, it’s important to recognize spiritual realities and strongholds, but don’t forget that each of us is spirit, soul, and body. 

Paul the Apostle prayed for the believers in Thessalonica: “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NIV) Paul recognized the need to pray for the whole person.

friend, you are a multi-dimensional person. Not every challenge is spiritual or emotional. Not every bout with depression is physical in nature. Problems are complex. They are usually based on a combination of body, soul, and spirit. 

When I first started working on my master’s degree in psychology and pastoral counseling, I struggled with episodes of discouragement and even a little depression. I really couldn’t figure out the source of the dark cloud that often visited me. Was it a spiritual problem? Was it caused by hormonal imbalances, or was it something even deeper? 

I’ll never forget the class that empowered me to conquer this lifelong enemy. My professor was teaching on the causes of depression, and my lights went on when he said, “and some depression comes from repressed anger.” Eureka! I knew immediately that depression had access to my life because I was repressing my anger. Hallelujah! Whenever I felt a little depressed, I promptly asked myself this pressing question: “Okay, Paul, who are you angry with?” I have not struggled with depression for 38 years.

friend, could this be your season of answers, solutions, and insight? I declare that the lights will go on in your brain. I declare that you will have divine insight into thoughts and feelings that have troubled you. You are a miracle, and I love you more than popcorn.