How To Stop Thinking of Desires

(NIV – New International Version)

James 1:13-14 ¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Romans 13:14 - ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galations 5:24 ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Well, there you have it – straight from Gods word. Don’t blame or even think that God is the one ‘causing’ you to have these desires! It is our own stinkin’ flesh, not Him. We are to clothe ourselves in Christ – like putting on our regular clothes. We need the full armor of God from head to toe. Protecting each and every vulnerable part of us. Clothing ourselves, means actually ‘putting Him on’ us. That just may be the best thing to do FIRST thing in the morning! Get up and ‘put on’ Jesus! As we get up and grab something to put on, we need to be talking to Jesus at that very moment too. Asking Him to be our “clothes” for the day. Protect us from ourselves. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from and provide a way of escape to bring Him honor and glory. Ask Him to protect and cover our mind, so that we don’t even think of the desires we want. Then, as we go into the other room, and all of this is likely to fly out the window – we need to have another reminder to ask Him to clothe us and help us. Perhaps, a way to ‘nail’ our passions and desires on the cross.

First of all, if your home is filled with things that are a temptation and a way to have you derail and fall into the lusts and desires of whatever it is that trips you up – then you need to get rid of it! If you live with family that ‘needs’ those things, then hide them in a spot just for them to see and get to. However, now might be a good time to have a “Family Meeting” and see if they feel those things are a struggle for them too. If so, then get rid of them for everyone’s sake! You never know, perhaps they feel “tripped up” by those things too. Just don’t bring them into the home, and that will be a BIG help!

Today is a brand new, fresh, clean day. We can and will be successful in it when we first have Jesus as our covering/clothes. It is just like anything else we do in our day – it needs to start being a part of our routine. It’s ok to make reminders to have around. Post a note next to alarm clock, on bathroom mirror, next to tooth brush, next to coffee pot… whatever and wherever it will help you. I’m praying for your “new habits” to override and toss out the old ones that lead to temptation and unhealthy desires. With Christ all things are possible. He wants us to change our habits too – just ask Him for help. He will give it! Be well. Be safe. Be blessed!