How to stop intrusive thoughts?

[Iamasinkingship]

What is the best way to deal with intrusive thoughts of false doctrine?


I used to believe in eternal recurrence {that you live your particular life an infinite number of times, and make the same decisions, like a movie on infinite loop}. Sometimes I get frequent and intense feelings of deja vu. Even though I know the cause of it {state or context dependent recall that you can't remember experiencing}, I still get these thoughts that this is "proof of eternal recurrence." Sometimes when particularly bad things happen I think "it sucks that I will have to experience that again." Or if good things happen, "it's too bad I won't be able to skip to this."

I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't even known if intrusive thoughts are what to call this. I just get these really terrible thoughts that sound like they originate from me, convincing me that this or that is "proof" of whatever, and if I think that they are just intrusive thoughts, I think that "I know they're not."

The idea of any other belief being the truth terrifies me, because if the Bible isn't real, then I am definitely going to whatever hell exists because that is what I deserve. Even saying that, my intrusive thoughts say that I am clinging to what I "know" is a false belief out of fear.

I am probably not making much sense. I don't even know how this happened. I'm a Christian, I was baptized. I honestly believed Christ died for my sins. I still believe that, or at least, I think I do, but again, my intrusive thoughts or whatever tell me that I don't, because if I did I wouldn't be having these thoughts. It really is infuriating. Every time I try to argue with myself that this or that proves Christianity or disproves paganism, my intrusive thoughts or whatever say "but you don't really believe that." Please advise.

 

[DeerGlow]

What is the best way to deal with intrusive thoughts of false doctrine?


I used to believe in eternal recurrence {that you live your particular life an infinite number of times, and make the same decisions, like a movie on infinite loop}. Sometimes I get frequent and intense feelings of deja vu. Even though I know the cause of it {state or context dependent recall that you can't remember experiencing}, I still get these thoughts that this is "proof of eternal recurrence." Sometimes when particularly bad things happen I think "it sucks that I will have to experience that again." Or if good things happen, "it's too bad I won't be able to skip to this."

I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't even known if intrusive thoughts are what to call this. I just get these really terrible thoughts that sound like they originate from me, convincing me that this or that is "proof" of whatever, and if I think that they are just intrusive thoughts, I think that "I know they're not."

The idea of any other belief being the truth terrifies me, because if the Bible isn't real, then I am definitely going to whatever hell exists because that is what I deserve. Even saying that, my intrusive thoughts say that I am clinging to what I "know" is a false belief out of fear.

I am probably not making much sense. I don't even know how this happened. I'm a Christian, I was baptized. I honestly believed Christ died for my sins. I still believe that, or at least, I think I do, but again, my intrusive thoughts or whatever tell me that I don't, because if I did I wouldn't be having these thoughts. It really is infuriating. Every time I try to argue with myself that this or that proves Christianity or disproves paganism, my intrusive thoughts or whatever say "but you don't really believe that." Please advise.

I struggle with horrible thoughts. Haven't found the cure yet. I'll pray for you.

 

[W2L]

I believe the answer may be that we must persevere, and learn to meditate on the Word. I try not to judge myself on random thoughts, i instead listen for the Word to speak to me. The Lord is our shepherd. His sheep know His voice and follow.

 

[Solomons Porch]

New International Version II Cor. 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

English Standard Version
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

King James Bible
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Instantly put the breaks on that thought, go into attack mode of "OH NO" we not going there in the name of Jesus.

 

[Another Lazarus]

listen to gospel music and sing along truly.

 

[Sanoy]

This feeling of deja vu you have, has it ever allowed you to understand what is about to happen before it happens? (To answer yes does not mean it's in a loop)

 

[friend of]

The idea of any other belief being the truth terrifies me, because if the Bible isn't real, then I am definitely going to whatever hell exists because that is what I deserve. Even saying that, my intrusive thoughts say that I am clinging to what I "know" is a false belief out of fear.

Discerning thoughts that enter our minds takes a lot of time and effort and prayer. Just know that the Lord wouldn't hold it against you for having thoughts like this because victim blaming is not something He would ever do, and He knows it's not your fault.

Those intrusive thoughts would prefer that you abandon the Bible. That's why they taunt you like that.

Always remember that you were purchased by the blood of Jesus and that He loves you and understands exactly the kind of suffering you're going through because He endured suffering like us.

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

What is the best way to deal with intrusive thoughts of false doctrine?


I used to believe in eternal recurrence {that you live your particular life an infinite number of times, and make the same decisions, like a movie on infinite loop}. Sometimes I get frequent and intense feelings of deja vu. Even though I know the cause of it {state or context dependent recall that you can't remember experiencing}, I still get these thoughts that this is "proof of eternal recurrence." Sometimes when particularly bad things happen I think "it sucks that I will have to experience that again." Or if good things happen, "it's too bad I won't be able to skip to this."

I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't even known if intrusive thoughts are what to call this. I just get these really terrible thoughts that sound like they originate from me, convincing me that this or that is "proof" of whatever, and if I think that they are just intrusive thoughts, I think that "I know they're not."

The idea of any other belief being the truth terrifies me, because if the Bible isn't real, then I am definitely going to whatever hell exists because that is what I deserve. Even saying that, my intrusive thoughts say that I am clinging to what I "know" is a false belief out of fear.

I am probably not making much sense. I don't even know how this happened. I'm a Christian, I was baptized. I honestly believed Christ died for my sins. I still believe that, or at least, I think I do, but again, my intrusive thoughts or whatever tell me that I don't, because if I did I wouldn't be having these thoughts. It really is infuriating. Every time I try to argue with myself that this or that proves Christianity or disproves paganism, my intrusive thoughts or whatever say "but you don't really believe that." Please advise.

Intrusive thoughts can be torture. Get help!

There is no one simple answer to the problem of intrusive thoughts. The fact that they are "intrusive" means they are unwanted and that you are unlikely to truly believe them.

First we must examine the source of these thoughts. Some causes are neurochemical, some are bad habits of thinking, and some are spiritual (attack from demonic source). IF the cause is mostly neurochemical then you need medication (consult a psychiatrist). IF the cause is poor habits of thinking then you need to consult a psychologist, especially one who uses cognitive therapy (CBT). IF the source is spiritual then you need to pray and have others pray for you, and there may be a spiritual vulnerability due to a lack of spiritual knowledge (consult a pastor or Christian counselor). You might even need a deliverance ministry. Or the cause may be complex and incorporate all three areas of body, soul, and spirit—then you may need to consult all of these authorities.

 

[Far Side Of the Moon]

I struggle with horrible thoughts. Haven't found the cure yet. I'll pray for you.

Me too, and I also experience deja vu

 

[God is good]

What is the best way to deal with intrusive thoughts of false doctrine?


I used to believe in eternal recurrence {that you live your particular life an infinite number of times, and make the same decisions, like a movie on infinite loop}. Sometimes I get frequent and intense feelings of deja vu. Even though I know the cause of it {state or context dependent recall that you can't remember experiencing}, I still get these thoughts that this is "proof of eternal recurrence." Sometimes when particularly bad things happen I think "it sucks that I will have to experience that again." Or if good things happen, "it's too bad I won't be able to skip to this."

I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't even known if intrusive thoughts are what to call this. I just get these really terrible thoughts that sound like they originate from me, convincing me that this or that is "proof" of whatever, and if I think that they are just intrusive thoughts, I think that "I know they're not."

The idea of any other belief being the truth terrifies me, because if the Bible isn't real, then I am definitely going to whatever hell exists because that is what I deserve. Even saying that, my intrusive thoughts say that I am clinging to what I "know" is a false belief out of fear.

I am probably not making much sense. I don't even know how this happened. I'm a Christian, I was baptized. I honestly believed Christ died for my sins. I still believe that, or at least, I think I do, but again, my intrusive thoughts or whatever tell me that I don't, because if I did I wouldn't be having these thoughts. It really is infuriating. Every time I try to argue with myself that this or that proves Christianity or disproves paganism, my intrusive thoughts or whatever say "but you don't really believe that." Please advise.

I have terrible thoughts too, I am on medication and it helps a lot, I would just pray to God and ask Jesus to help you because Jesus Christ is Lord over everything and God is so good. God bless you

 

[longwait]

I get really bitter, angry and terrible thoughts. The Bible says we are to think of that which is of good report. So I asked the Lord how to think on those things that are good, pure, honest, virtuous and praiseworthy. I was asking Him that for a couple of days. Then one morning I found myself thinking and singing 3 songs of praise to the Lord. I found that really helps. Listen to some really good worship songs. Not the ones with the band that just wants to promote themselves but the ones that you can just listen to and think of all the wonderful things the Lord has done for you in your life.

 

[tturt]

lamainkingship, welcome to the forums!

We're offered an exchange program as shown in Scripture - II Cor 10:5 and Rom 12:2.

Life application: So when those intrusive thoughts come, we recognize them for what they are, we immediately turn our focus to Scripture such as:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Since I've confessed my sins, Yahweh is faithful and just to forgive me from my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Based on John 3:16; I John 1:9

PRN (medical term) Use when necessary.

His Word is like medicine to our spirit, soul, and body and can certainly be in musical form.
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Pro 4:20-22

 

[seashale76]

In Orthodox Christianity we call such unwanted thoughts logismoi (tempting thoughts which lead to sin). The Church Fathers tend to recognize five stages:

assault (thoughts pop into your head)
interaction (you entertain these thoughts)
consent (you decide to act on these thoughts)
defeat (you are hostage- resistance is difficult)
passion (it becomes part of you)

The usual recommended practice is to pray when the thoughts first pop into your head. Ignore the thoughts if possible and keep turning your mind and heart back to prayer. It is easiest to stop at this point.

Most people will say the Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

 

[ToBeLoved]

What is the best way to deal with intrusive thoughts of false doctrine?


I used to believe in eternal recurrence {that you live your particular life an infinite number of times, and make the same decisions, like a movie on infinite loop}. Sometimes I get frequent and intense feelings of deja vu. Even though I know the cause of it {state or context dependent recall that you can't remember experiencing}, I still get these thoughts that this is "proof of eternal recurrence." Sometimes when particularly bad things happen I think "it sucks that I will have to experience that again." Or if good things happen, "it's too bad I won't be able to skip to this."

I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't even known if intrusive thoughts are what to call this. I just get these really terrible thoughts that sound like they originate from me, convincing me that this or that is "proof" of whatever, and if I think that they are just intrusive thoughts, I think that "I know they're not."

The idea of any other belief being the truth terrifies me, because if the Bible isn't real, then I am definitely going to whatever hell exists because that is what I deserve. Even saying that, my intrusive thoughts say that I am clinging to what I "know" is a false belief out of fear.

I am probably not making much sense. I don't even know how this happened. I'm a Christian, I was baptized. I honestly believed Christ died for my sins. I still believe that, or at least, I think I do, but again, my intrusive thoughts or whatever tell me that I don't, because if I did I wouldn't be having these thoughts. It really is infuriating. Every time I try to argue with myself that this or that proves Christianity or disproves paganism, my intrusive thoughts or whatever say "but you don't really believe that." Please advise.

I would say that you should memorize key scriptures that show the intrusive thoughts to be false.

Then when this happens, just start thinking and saying the Bible verse.

It is a really great thing to memorize the Bible, in places anyway and you may even be able to help others, which would then bring glory to God.

 

[ToBeLoved]

What is the best way to deal with intrusive thoughts of false doctrine?


I used to believe in eternal recurrence {that you live your particular life an infinite number of times, and make the same decisions, like a movie on infinite loop}. Sometimes I get frequent and intense feelings of deja vu. Even though I know the cause of it {state or context dependent recall that you can't remember experiencing}, I still get these thoughts that this is "proof of eternal recurrence." Sometimes when particularly bad things happen I think "it sucks that I will have to experience that again." Or if good things happen, "it's too bad I won't be able to skip to this."

I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't even known if intrusive thoughts are what to call this. I just get these really terrible thoughts that sound like they originate from me, convincing me that this or that is "proof" of whatever, and if I think that they are just intrusive thoughts, I think that "I know they're not."

The idea of any other belief being the truth terrifies me, because if the Bible isn't real, then I am definitely going to whatever hell exists because that is what I deserve. Even saying that, my intrusive thoughts say that I am clinging to what I "know" is a false belief out of fear.

I am probably not making much sense. I don't even know how this happened. I'm a Christian, I was baptized. I honestly believed Christ died for my sins. I still believe that, or at least, I think I do, but again, my intrusive thoughts or whatever tell me that I don't, because if I did I wouldn't be having these thoughts. It really is infuriating. Every time I try to argue with myself that this or that proves Christianity or disproves paganism, my intrusive thoughts or whatever say "but you don't really believe that." Please advise.

Also, try not to give these negative thoughts too much power. The minute they happen, cast them down as false and start praying. Even pray outloud because that will make you use more of your mind.

 

[Take Heart]

Sometimes I have to physically shake my head a bit while also praying for Jesus to bind and rebuke these intrusive thoughts in Jesus Christ's Name and to help Him cleanse my thoughts. Also, having Christian music in the background has helped me focus on uplifting, encouraging songs. I recommend K-Love radio station which can be listened to online. : )

 

[cuja1]

What is the best way to deal with intrusive thoughts of false doctrine?


I used to believe in eternal recurrence {that you live your particular life an infinite number of times, and make the same decisions, like a movie on infinite loop}. Sometimes I get frequent and intense feelings of deja vu. Even though I know the cause of it {state or context dependent recall that you can't remember experiencing}, I still get these thoughts that this is "proof of eternal recurrence." Sometimes when particularly bad things happen I think "it sucks that I will have to experience that again." Or if good things happen, "it's too bad I won't be able to skip to this."

I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't even known if intrusive thoughts are what to call this. I just get these really terrible thoughts that sound like they originate from me, convincing me that this or that is "proof" of whatever, and if I think that they are just intrusive thoughts, I think that "I know they're not."

The idea of any other belief being the truth terrifies me, because if the Bible isn't real, then I am definitely going to whatever hell exists because that is what I deserve. Even saying that, my intrusive thoughts say that I am clinging to what I "know" is a false belief out of fear.

I am probably not making much sense. I don't even know how this happened. I'm a Christian, I was baptized. I honestly believed Christ died for my sins. I still believe that, or at least, I think I do, but again, my intrusive thoughts or whatever tell me that I don't, because if I did I wouldn't be having these thoughts. It really is infuriating. Every time I try to argue with myself that this or that proves Christianity or disproves paganism, my intrusive thoughts or whatever say "but you don't really believe that." Please advise.

I use to and sometimes still have this problem. I use to think that thoughts were uncontrollable until I spoke with a counselor.

You can't really control thoughts in your head. What you can do is divert the thought to different thought. So praying or reading the Bible might help, but you have to actually force yourself to focus on that thought.

Walking or some other activity could be helpful too. You just need to occupy your mind with something else. The hard part is finding the something else to occupy your mind with.

 

[sunshineforJesus]

New International Version II Cor. 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

English Standard Version
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

King James Bible
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Instantly put the breaks on that thought, go into attack mode of "OH NO" we not going there in the name of Jesus.

As one who struggles with thinking negative thoughts,and feeling insecure this verse speaks so strong to me.

 

[tturt]

Yes, we're not always the originator of the first thought concerning something. But it's left up to us to determine how far, how many more continue.

Here's an example of taking every thought captive (post #12 above). Yeshua said "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matt 5

The guy "looketh on a woman" that's the first thought but he went beyond that in his thoughts "to lust." So he's used his imagination in an ungodly way.

To combat negative thinking, rely on Yahweh and His Word. Meditate, which means to think about, on Scriptures such as:
-Yahweh loves you with an everlasting love (John 3:16-17, Jer 31)
-"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jer 29:11
-“The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job 33:4
-“...even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Luke 12:7 (that number is constantly changing)
-“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." Zeph 3:17
-"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psa 46:1

We can build up our spirits with His Word (John 6:63). Suggest: reading Psa 145 out loud. It's a great chapter.

 

[lutherangerman]

I suffered from intrusive thoughts and this is what helped me:

- the thoughts come from the flesh, not from your spirit and soul. The brain is flesh, and it doesn't produce our spirit and soul, instead spirit and soul are divine sparks coming from the Father and from Jesus and we sometimes do not even acknowledge the good that comes from them. In our spirit we worship God, in our flesh we escape from God or are even aggressive and mean to him. But flesh is worth nothing, it isn't even saved, it will rot in the grave and that's it. But your spirit and soul are your real self and God loves us for eternity. God is bigger than the flesh and won't hold the flesh stuff against us. I laid in bed once and wanted to think of God, me and life until I kind of looked into my own head and saw a photo of a brain. The body is not doing the spiritual thinking, our spirit does that and we in the spirit have to make way for this spark of God. Jesus and the Holy Spirit help us. And the spirit and soul in us always seek God and never speak blasphemies, you see this with experience.

- You could go to your pastor and priest and ask them to pray over you. Intrusive thoughts can be a kind of mental illness and you need to be anointed with oil and go to a healing service. Sometimes divine services are not solemn and really going into God's sacred love for us. Maybe you need to visit a catholic church once and celebrate Mass with the others which brings the Cross to us and absolves us of all sin until we have a free conscience again.