“Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? (Acts 5:3 NLT).”

In psychology, thought insertion is always viewed as a delusion or false belief. However, the Bible provides a radically different perspective: There is a Devil. There are demons. And demonic forces do put thoughts into our mind. These thoughts are always consistent with the Devil’s mission “to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10 NIV).” These thoughts are designed specifically for us as individuals–they take into account our individual vulnerabilities.

If we entertain these thoughts, Satan’s purposes will be fulfilled.

Consequences of entertaining demonically induced thoughts include the following:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Hallucinations (Following increased stress).
• Spending sprees.
• Foolish business decisions.
• Sexual indiscretions.
• And the list goes on.

There are a myriad of thoughts that can lead to the aforementioned consequences. Some examples of thought categories follow:

• Thoughts that will make you angry (e.g. “What do you think of… ?”).
• Thoughts that will make you worry (e.g. “What if I can’t pay the rent?”).
• Thoughts about using (e.g. “I want to get high.”).
• Self-critical thoughts (e.g. “You’re a loser.”).
• Discouraging thoughts (e.g. “It’s hopeless.”).
• Destructive thoughts (e.g. “I want to kill myself.”).

Any time you entertain a thought contrary to the will of God, you are giving advantage to the Devil in some way.

So the point of the article is this: Satan can and does put thoughts into our minds. Thoughts designed to bring us down. Our job is not to entertain these thoughts but rather to actively resist them.

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB).”

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9 NIV).