In this episode, I explore how to respond when painful or deceptive thoughts show up. We may not be able to choose every thought that knocks on the door, but we can choose whether to agree with it.

I walk through four practical steps:

• Recognize the lie by separating what happened from what you’ve concluded about yourself.
• Renounce your agreement with it rather than letting it define your identity or future.
• Replace it with a truthful, faithful response—not just a positive-sounding one.
• Resist when the thought returns by standing on what’s true and taking the next faithful step.

I also discuss why having an unwanted thought doesn’t mean you’ve failed, and how prayer, honest conversations, and asking trusted people for support can help us respond with faith.

The framework was inspired by an idea from Pastor Jimmy Pruitt of Bridge Church in Fredericksburg, Tennessee.

• Genesis 3:1–5 — The serpent questions God’s words and character.
• Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
• Romans 8:1 — There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
• Philippians 4:8 — Think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
• Luke 4:13 — The devil leaves Jesus until an opportune time.
• James 4:7 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Support this Podcast