Battling Intrusive Thoughts

READ: PSALM 139:1-12; MATTHEW 6:9-13; ROMANS 8:26-39

“What’s wrong with me?” I said to myself as unwelcome thoughts invaded my prayer time. Guilt consumed me. My desire to pray was spoiled by toxic thoughts. This was my special time with God, and I felt like I’d failed. “How can I call myself a Christian? I’ll have to quit praying.” Has this happened to you too? If so, you’re not alone. I discovered there were strategies that helped me, and hopefully they’ll help you too.

1. Remember the world is dysfunctional. Trying to live a holy, God-filled life in a broken world is difficult because humanity is scarred from the effects of original sin (Genesis 3). Thankfully, Jesus knows we’re imperfect, and He wants to walk with us in our brokenness. Dwelling on the ways we think we’ve failed does not help, but bringing them to Jesus will.

2. Acknowledge the struggle and keep praying. One day at church, I felt like the Holy Spirit prompted me to ask someone if they’d ever suffered terrible thoughts while praying. This believer had, in fact, experienced a similar problem! “Pray more” was the helpful advice given. When we pray, we encounter Jesus, which is why our prayers are powerful. That’s why the enemy wants to disrupt us before we begin. When we’re tempted to think, “What’s the use of praying if I keep getting distracted?” we can remember that Jesus knows our hearts. He is with us in our struggle. We can hand it over to Him. This can be as simple as saying, Lord, you know these thoughts aren’t mine. I don’t want them. Help me focus on you (see Romans 6:11-12).

3. Remember that God is loving. He adores us more than we could ever imagine. He understands us and sees our daily struggle. Nothing can separate us from His love, because He came to repair our broken relationship with Himself through dying on the cross and rising from the grave (Romans 8:38-39). Even when our minds are distracted, He knows our desire to spend time with Him. Meditating on these truths by reading Scripture or praying aloud can be helpful ways to concentrate. We can say things like, “Father, you know me, you understand my struggle. You are loving and merciful. Thank you for being with me right now.” • Cindy Lee

• Have you struggled with troublesome thoughts while praying? Jesus has so much compassion for you, and He wants to help. Who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to? You can ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to people who’ve experienced what you’re going through. There is freedom in being open with trusted believers who can listen, provide advice, or simply pray with us.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (WEB)