“You have more control over your thoughts than you think.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 22, 2026
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, NIV
Recently, I was attending an evening prayer service at my church, and a phrase caught my ear. Though I’d heard it many times, it stuck close to my heart in that moment like never before. Before dismissing, our pastor prayed these words over those gathered: “Protect them at all times, both during this evening and throughout the coming night, from every enemy, from every assault of the powers of hell, from vain deliberations, and from evil thoughts.”
The phrase “vain deliberations” struck me as if it were spoken directly to me. By temperament, I am a deep thinker and a researcher. At times, this is helpful, but it also makes it far too easy for me to spend countless hours mulling over things that offer no real benefit. What I may want to call “thorough research” is, in truth, fruitless worry, overthinking, and a circular mental loop that reveals a lack of faith and trust in the mercy and providence of God. In short, “vain deliberations,” the polar opposite of the “steadfast mind” spoken of today in Isaiah 26.
You have more control over your thoughts than you think.
We are not passive slaves to the whims and wants of our minds. We are not helpless passengers on a train that our mind drives. No, as 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us, we are able and empowered, by the Spirit of God at work within us, to “take every thought captive.” When a powerful thought, desire, or emotion presents itself, ask yourself, “Is this a thought that I want to keep around?” “Is this an emotion that leads me toward truth?” “Is this desire telling me the truth about myself or the object of my desire?”
If it is a pure thought or holy desire, receive it as a gift from God and nurture it as you would a young plant in need of your guidance and care. Yet if not, take hold of that thought, purge it from your mind, and redirect that desire as you remember that you are not an animal enslaved to your wants and needs, but an image-bearer of the King, made for holiness of life and eternal communion with him. Embrace that truth today, and steady your mind in his perfect peace.
Prayer
Father, steady our minds today, that we may know the perfect peace that comes from you alone, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
What thoughts do you need to take captive today, by his strength at work within you?
Related Reading
Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:6; Philippians 4:6-8
Worship Resource
CityAlight: Your Will Be Done
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