> General Discussions
Intrusive thoughts...
Ian:
Hello,
I was wondering what causes intrusive thoughts, from a Biblical perspective?
Sometimes I will have thoughts about harming others. I know a lot of people have this problem.
It is difficult making the thoughts go away. Sometimes when I have thoughts, I get anxious and try not to dwell on them, leading me to think about them more.
Where and why do people have these thoughts?
I was considering... "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders" (Mark 7:21).
But there are some people who get really upset, even suicidal about certain thoughts. If they all come from within the heart, why would someone be upset about it?
Some insight would be appreciated...
Deborah-Leigh:
Thoughts are part of the human condition.
Observing thoughts is the witness, the neutral observer.
What you resist, persists.
The neutral observer, notices without condemnation or approval. That is what neutral is. Neither positive nor negative, just present.
In the presence of neutral observation, thoughts can come and go...and they do. The more you notice your thoughts in the neutral place of simple recognition, the more peace comes of understanding acceptance without attachment....
Have you ever noticed a thought come and go. Or, noticed what you are thinking...just watch for your next thought...when the light of noticing is on....thoughts seem to shy away.....~ :)
From a Biblical perspective, consider deeply what is said in Heb 4 : 7, Again He sets a DEFINITE DAY, [a new] TODAY, and give another opportunity of securing that REST.....9 So then, there is still awaiting a full and complete Sabbath REST reserved for the [true] people of God....
Arc
Deborah-Leigh:
2 Cor 6 : 2 For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold, NOW is the accepted time, behold, NOW is the day of salvation....
NOW is present, not future or past in time but NOW is now...~ :)
That's Biblical.
Arc
Dave in Tenn:
--- Quote from: Ian on August 08, 2011, 12:30:12 AM ---Hello,
I was wondering what causes intrusive thoughts, from a Biblical perspective?
Sometimes I will have thoughts about harming others. I know a lot of people have this problem.
It is difficult making the thoughts go away. Sometimes when I have thoughts, I get anxious and try not to dwell on them, leading me to think about them more.
Where and why do people have these thoughts?
I was considering... "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders" (Mark 7:21).
But there are some people who get really upset, even suicidal about certain thoughts. If they all come from within the heart, why would someone be upset about it?
--- End quote ---
To a great degree, you've answered your 'where and why' question...thoughts do come out of the hearts of men, as Jesus said in your quoted passage.
The question of why someone would be upset about it confuses me a little. I'm not sure why someone who has thoughts about hurting someone should NOT be upset about it.
He can take comfort in knowing there is something he can do about it.
Php 4:8,9 As to the rest, brethren, as many things as are true, as many (things) as are grave, as many (things) as are righteous, as many (things) as are pure, as many (things) as are lovely, as many (things) as are of good report, if any worthiness, and if any praise, these things think upon; the things that also ye did learn, and receive, and hear, and saw in me, those do, and the God of the peace shall be with you.
Here's just a couple of 'things' that fit that description:
He should know that he is not alone in these evil thoughts. The details may differ, but the heart is the same, and we can't wear any 'religious' garb(age) which will cover up that fact.
He should know that Jesus did not come to call the 'righteous' to repentance, but sinners. He came to save sinners. And unlike the church's theologies teach, he didn't come to save them from eternal hell-fire, but from their sins. If he's disturbed by these thoughts, he should know that this is a necessary part of him being saved from even having them.
If he believes the Gospel, he knows that the end for all of sinning humanity is reconciliation with God. And if he believes that whole-heartedly, he should be comforted by the fact that he is already overcoming the worst 'evil thought' about harming somebody--having them deserve and recieve never-ending torture in a fabled hell-fire.
He should think about those 'things', and many others, that will replace his old thoughts and create a new heart.
He should also understand that Sovereign God doesn't expect him to be any different AT THIS MOMENT than he IS, because this is the way God has caused him to be. But just like the blind man healed by Jesus, He caused him to be this way for a greater purpose--to be healed to the Glory of God.
Sorry for preaching. I'm no stranger to what you are talking about. This is how I keep from sinking back into despair and have hope. I hope that helps.
mharrell08:
--- Quote from: Ian on August 08, 2011, 12:30:12 AM ---It is difficult making the thoughts go away. Sometimes when I have thoughts, I get anxious and try not to dwell on them, leading me to think about them more.
Where and why do people have these thoughts?
--- End quote ---
1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour
John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
--- Quote from: Arcturus on August 08, 2011, 01:59:36 AM ---Thoughts are part of the human condition.
Observing thoughts is the witness, the neutral observer.
What you resist, persists.
The neutral observer, notices without condemnation or approval. That is what neutral is. Neither positive nor negative, just present.
--- End quote ---
Arcturus, people do not possess a 'neutral observer':
Rom 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit
Eph 2:2-3 ...you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others
One's thoughts are either on the things of the flesh or things of the Spirit...to 'observe' also means to think or have thoughts, so those thoughts would not be neutral.
Marques
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