What Does the Bible Say about Intrusive Thoughts?
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Paul wrote to the church at Corinth that Christians should “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
But sometimes, thoughts take us captive. Images, sounds, conversations: they wash over us, suddenly, leading to powerful and painful emotions. They seem real, full of startling sensory detail, but are often cruel fantasies. Maybe they are memories replaying over and over, or they are our fears developed into short scenes of anguish, extreme and unlikely, yet with the power to terrify us.
What are intrusive thoughts, and does the Bible provide any guidance on how to deal with them?
What Are Intrusive Thoughts?
Firstly, an intrusive thought appears to pop up out of nowhere, during the day or night. By definition, the imagery is unwanted and deeply troubling. It can arrive while cooking dinner, driving the car, or playing with children at the playground. A mother imagines pushing her child in a stroller and then suddenly the stroller gets away from her, hurtles down the hill, and her baby is struck by a car. She might be suffering from postpartum depression or transposing a traumatic accident she witnessed onto the narrative of daily life.
A man imagines what he wants to do to his oppressive boss – hurt him, make him pay. John Beeson explains, “sometimes these thoughts are born of morbid curiosity;” we wonder would I be capable of that or what would it be like to beat someone up? Such thoughts arise from our sinful hearts.
There are clues in these terrible, unwanted thoughts which can lead us to confession, guide us to seek medical attention, or prompt us to discuss unresolved trauma with a counsellor. In every case, the Lord is our great strength and comfort as well as our wise counsellor. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
Intrusive thoughts might come and go for a short time. For certain people, however, they are a regular, long-term occurrence, even daily. Pat Quinn explains that when we are emotionally taxed or traumatized, “our minds are in overdrive, working to prepare us for new challenges and dangers.”
What Triggers Intrusive Thoughts
Beeson suggests asking: “is there something different about the season I’m in?” For instance, postpartum hormonal readjustment, a common occurrence whether it’s your first pregnancy or tenth, persists for some women. But there is help available. Quinn argues that “since we are embodied souls, it is important to carefully consider possible physiological influences” such as head injury or illness. Visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
External stressors also influence our mental health. Moving, divorce, violence: we need to examine our stage in life, and allow God to reason with us (Isaiah 1:18). He will help us to process our fears and longings and give us wisdom to seek professional attention or open up to our friends and family. Perhaps all we need is to get those thoughts out of our heads. “Make sure you’re resting and processing your stress with trusted loved ones and a healthy church community.”
On the other hand, a gently persistent, wise counsellor might draw out a story of childhood trauma buried deep. “The weeds of lies grow in the soil of trauma.” Lies spread and choke out the truth that we are not to blame for what happened at the hands of an abuser, or for the hurricane that ripped our home apart and killed a family member. Examining and surrendering our trauma to a loving and tender God will plant better seeds which take over from the spreading nightshade that has poisoned a mind since youth. “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
A psychological disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) could be the root cause of invasive thoughts. Quinn explains that OCD “involves recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images, particularly those considered unwanted or intrusive.” Compulsions emerge which are “repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession.” OCD might be triggered by trauma, and at its most extreme leads to crippling panic, disrupting work and relationships.
Intrusive thoughts can also emanate from pride. Beeson argues that our imaginations might suggest ways of getting even with someone, a sign of unforgiveness. While the thought comes unbidden, it starts with ideas which we permitted. “These thoughts ought to lead to transparent confession.” Christ endured our indignity on the cross and took our suffering. We must remember that we deserve the humiliation and pain He experienced, but we have been forgiven.
Intrusive Thoughts and Identity
“Unchecked intrusive thoughts affect our ability to understand our true identity,” says Beeson. We start to believe that we should be able to control life. We are in charge of the dangers and are responsible for preventing them, whether they are real or imagined, whether they happened already or we predict them. Our sense of identity is becoming distorted as we forget that God is all-powerful and sovereign. Intrusive thoughts might reveal an identity crisis or they could lead to one, without those regular reminders of gospel truth which we receive by reading Scripture and meeting with fellow believers to learn about our Savior’s character and promises.
As Christians, we identify as children of God created in His Image, and He is rock steady. We all need to root ourselves in something that is supportive and strong. Meanwhile, when we look to ourselves for foundation, what we really get is quicksand. An internal battle will often isolate us in a world of dark, helpless self-reflection where “self” is insufficient for the mental and spiritual battle in front of us. Intrusive thoughts are a startling but gracious revelation of our insufficiency since they can push us in the direction of Christ.
Brian Rosner said that “focus on self generates a fragile self, easily destabilized and lacking in genuine and lasting self-knowledge.” Notice the insidiousness of some thought patterns: they cause us to forget who we are and, more importantly, to forget who God is. We forget that we are not God.
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth about taking control of their thoughts because if we do not fill our minds with truth, the space we leave will be filled with lies. We need to stand firm in the Word, unified in the Church Body, and look after ourselves and each other by preaching the gospel. Although terrible thoughts can be planted by the enemy, they are less likely to find space or to take root if we are filling our minds with something good.
In other words, we need to be “proactive” says Beeson. Take care over what you treasure and be honest about idolatry: surrender it to God with confession and repentance, allowing Him to transform your desires (Psalm 37:4).
Do Not Be Afraid of Your Imagination
Our imaginations seem responsible for much of this mental drama, but our imaginations are God-given. Beeson argues that “we believe our minds are dangerous and need to be shut down.” But the Lord made us to imagine, to create, and our thoughts can glorify Him. God “desires to reshape your mind to become a factory of God-glorifying curiosity.”
What we need to do is give our minds the raw materials which nurture good ideas. Beeson suggests “talking back to ourselves.” Respond to unhelpful or sinful imagery and the lies attached to them with the truth of God’s promises about who you are. If those thoughts arise from sin, confess, repent, and then restore your thinking. Jesus said that, in some cases, even thinking about doing something harmful is a sin. Acknowledge, ask forgiveness, and turn from those thoughts by thinking about the grace and mercy you received and can now give to others, in both thoughts and deeds.
Beeson recommends being prepared with responses to the lies which become embedded in our minds. When thoughts are demeaning or even traumatic, rather than arguing in your own strength with your own comebacks, create better “reels” out of your reliance on the Lord. This will protect you against pride and replace the terrible thoughts you have been having.
Think of reasons to be grateful today, filling your mind with the Lord’s goodness. As spiritual practices go, the idea of starting each day with gratitude and filling your mind with good things related to Jesus is always beneficial, whether for dealing with intrusive thoughts or coming into Jesus’ presence with awe when things are going well and surrendering yourself to Him.
Submit Your Heart, Body, and Mind
Try employing the techniques Beeson recommends, and see if you notice any changes in thought patterns. If the problem of intrusive thinking is the result of a recent trauma, such a discipline will help you to reason with yourself without negating the very real pain you have been through.
Remember, however, that not every situation is easily fixed. If intrusive thoughts of causing harm are regular, distressing, and pressing to the point you believe you could act them out, seek medical attention immediately. Support from a doctor or counsellor is important.
Forming strong spiritual habits of prayer, forgiveness, confession, and gratitude still complement any counselling or medical treatment you might ultimately require and are always a positive way of arming yourself for spiritual battle and fighting off the enemy, rather than being taken prisoner.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3).
The mind is a powerful tool, one which the Holy Spirit actively shapes when we surrender to Christ. Allow Him to replace the deceiver’s fraudulent narrative with Christ’s own story to see that submitting to God in mind, heart, and body ultimately leads to victory.
Related article: Is It Ok for Christians to Take Medication for Mental Illness?
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