To truly communicate with God, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself said in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Being filled with the Holy Spirit enables us to walk with God, and this intimate relationship builds a deep faith and confidence that He hears us when we call.
But this is the very intimacy Satan wants to destroy. He will do everything possible to prevent believers from experiencing it. One of his most effective illusions is preoccupation. He dangles a distraction, a “wishful thought,” or a worldly worry in front of us, and we get stuck, unable to move forward in our faith.
He also uses disinformation, where we accept and dwell on false information meant to mislead us, and conformation, where we passively accept and integrate ungodly behaviors from our society. We might tell ourselves we’re just “keeping the peace” or “being tolerant,” like the illusion that not mentioning Jesus Christ in a function will keep people united, when in reality, we are conforming to a world that rejects Him.
Even when we face significant challenges—loss, disappointment, or fear—God requires us to keep our minds pure and focused on Him. We must not lose our ability to pray and give thanks. The only way to do this is by filling our minds with the word of God, which brings healing and life. The word is our weapon, “sharper than a double-edged sword,” and powerful enough to fight the devil’s tricks and protect us from corruption.
I learned this lesson the hard way.
One day, I was traveling on a bus where the only entertainment was offensive media. The content was clearly designed for mental sexual excitement, a strong weapon against unsuspecting minds. Disturbed, my immediate response was to “run”—not physically, but mentally. I preoccupied myself with a “wishful thought.” I began an elaborate daydream about having the physical and social power to control all media, shut down the filth, and promote what was good.
This provided a temporary, delusive solution. I was caught up in these engaging thoughts and successfully kept my eyes away from the screen. But this is not God’s way. Solving a problem with a mental escape is like trying to stop a war by offering your own brain as a sacrifice.
I only realized my error later when I sat down to pray and evaluate my journey. I regretted the choice I had made. My “solution” had been controversial and, ultimately, depriving. I had deprived myself of the opportunity to truly stand firm. I should have remained sober and mentally pure, no matter the cost. I should have accepted the challenge and faced the problem prayerfully, remaining open to the Holy Spirit. Who knows? Perhaps I would have prompted God to shut down the media system!
It’s easy to get caught in these mental traps. What are your go-to “delusive solutions”? When you face an ungodly environment, do you run to daydreaming, avoidance, or anger?
Instead of running, we are called to pray.
Identify that one “preoccupation” or “wishful thought” you commonly use to escape. The next time you catch yourself “running” to that thought, consciously stop. Take 60 seconds to “face the problem prayerfully.” Ask the Holy Spirit for purity of mind and the courage to really respond, not just retreat into a fantasy.
If this resonates with you, perhaps you can start with this prayer:
“Father, fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit so I can worship You in spirit and in truth. Forgive me for the times I have ‘run’ into preoccupations and delusive thoughts instead of running to You. Grant me the grace to remain sober and mentally pure, even in difficult settings. Sharpen my spiritual senses to recognize disinformation and conformation, and give me the courage to face every challenge prayerfully, trusting in Your power alone. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”