DeepSummary
The episode began with Lisa Turkers introducing the topic of intrusive thoughts and defining them as negative, uninvited, and unwanted ideas or images. Jim Cress suggested noticing the thought, questioning where it's coming from, and not allowing it to linger. He shared his experience with anxiety while flying and how he learned to interview the anxiety instead of seeing it as an enemy.
Lisa shared an example of having intrusive thoughts while using a public restroom and questioned how to differentiate between an intrusive thought and a legitimate warning or discernment. Jim and Joel Muddamalle discussed the importance of testing thoughts against biblical truth and taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, as instructed in 2 Corinthians 10:5.
The discussion continued with practical strategies for combating intrusive thoughts, such as focusing on what is real in the present moment, creating liturgies or routines for specific situations, and consistently returning to the truth of God's Word. The guests emphasized the importance of not entertaining or dwelling on intrusive thoughts but gently redirecting the mind to align with biblical truth.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Intrusive thoughts are negative, uninvited, and unwanted ideas or images that can be combated through biblical strategies.
- It's important to notice intrusive thoughts, question their source, and test them against the truth of God's Word.
- Practical strategies for combating intrusive thoughts include creating routines or liturgies, focusing on the present moment, and redirecting the mind to align with biblical truth.
- Anxiety and intrusive thoughts should be approached with gentleness, rather than hostility, and can potentially reveal areas of misalignment or unresolved issues.
- Purity of heart, not perfection, is the key to seeing God and overcoming intrusive thoughts.
- It's important to intentionally examine one's thoughts and emotions at the end of each day, letting go of intrusive thoughts and starting fresh with a pure heart.
- Personal experiences and examples can provide insight and encouragement for dealing with intrusive thoughts in a biblically grounded manner.
- The ultimate goal is to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, as instructed in 2 Corinthians 10:5.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God. And we take every thought captive to obey Christ.“ by Joel Muddamalle
- “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. And I love that the pure in heart there is not. Blessed is the perfect person who always does everything right.“ by Lisa Turkers
- “And often it's like the anxiety just says it's something could be in my body that I can't figure it out.“ by Jim Cress
- “And I love that. That verse, for me, reminds me, I don't have to do this perfectly, but what I do need to do is when I lay in bed at night before I allow myself to sit in, whatever has happened that day is to have an intentional cleaning out of my heart.“ by Lisa Turkers
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Episode Information
Therapy and Theology
Lysa TerKeurst
4/4/24
Have you ever wondered why you may anxiously obsess over something? The truth is whatever consumes our thinking deeply affects our quality of life. But can we really control what we think about?
This episode is part of the newest season of Therapy & Theology: "You Asked ... We're Answering." Through podcast reviews, direct messages on social media, and more, Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, collected your most asked questions. Now they're spending an entire season answering!
Related Resources:
- Download the free Listener Guide for this episode here! Complete with statements to hold on to and scriptures to call to mind, this guide will help you apply what you learned in this conversation.
- Feelings aren’t meant to be fixed; they’re meant to be felt. Jennie Allen wants to help you discover how to lean into this truth with her new book, Untangle Your Emotions: Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It. And the best news is ... Untangle Your Emotions is the first book pick for the brand-new Circle 31 Book Club with Proverbs 31 Ministries! This is your space to walk through life-changing messages with life-giving friends. Get your book, and start reading with us on May 1.
- We'd like to thank Compassion International for partnering with us again to make this season of Therapy & Theology possible. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here!
- Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram.
- Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Bible studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website!
- Click here to download the transcript for this episode.
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