from Rachel: Tearing Down the High Places

What do you see as the differences between casual thoughts and captivating thoughts?

“I see the difference as how often they keep recurring and whether or not they return unbidden when I’ve decided to stop thinking about them.”

So we can begin to think in applications from the start, describe two situations that could easily lead to captivating thoughts, for example, being betrayed or becoming attracted to someone.

“Having something stolen, a loved one dying or battling a terminal illness.”

Our thoughts can be held captive to someone or some thing that builds up our egos or satisfies our fleshly appetites. Simply put, captivating thoughts are controlling thoughts – things you find yourself meditating on too often.

Can you think of any examples [of captivating thoughts]?

“TV shows
“movie plots
“Sims characters
“occasionally even Sims’ house ideas
“worry over friends problems
“(when trying to clean up:
“– fears of needing/wanting items again
“– concern for items having a use – not getting thrown away
“– fear of forgetting a moment that old item triggers)”

Read Numbers 33:50-53, and 1 Kings 14:22-23. What do you think the Old Testament means by the phrase ‘high places’?

“Places of worship to false gods.”

Read 2 Kings 16:2-4. Considering the description of the unimaginable reign of King Ahaz, what bad fruit did the failure to remove the high places eventually bear?

“The nation of Judah was taken into captivity just a few decades later.”

Why do you think we, like the ancient Israelites, tend to avoid dealing with the high places in our lives? What do you think could happen in our lives and possibly to generations if we also neglect casting down our high places (strongholds)?

“I like fun. Two of my high places (TV and Sims) are fun. The third (stuff) is not fun but the effort it requires to confront it is very unfun.
“I give up many potentially productive hours, and, worse still, model it for Daniel.”

If we do not cast down the high places, they will eventually cast us down. I don’t believe I’m being overly dramatic when I say that we can either tear down our strongholds with the mighty power of God, or they will eventually tear us down.

…we often don’t realize that sin can also be anything we allow to grow between us, and the glorious, completing work of God.

If you are aware of a stronghold or high place, presently existing in your life, have you come to a place of agreeing with God‘s word and confessing all sin involved? “Yes (TV, Sims, and stuff)” If so, when? “now and many times previously”

Dearest Rachel –

It’s interesting as to how all of the thoughts you considered to be ‘captivating’ dwelled on losing something (or someone) precious to you; very much ‘on brand’ in terms of your admitted overall inability to let go of things.

It’s one more reminder of how glad I am that – while you did have to lose both your parents, which I haven’t had to deal with, yet – you didn’t have to go through the trauma of losing me like I lost you. Considering the difficulty I’ve had in letting go (look, I’m still writing to you, after all), I can only guess what you might have gone through in this situation, and if you would be struggling through so many captivating thoughts.

On the other hand, I might be giving myself way too much credit. Who knows?

In any event, I wonder if I don’t spend too much time thinking about having lost you. Certainly, I put a lot of time and effort into communicating with you, although by doing so, I’m also communicating with the wider world reading – and watching – over your shoulder, so there is a broader purpose to it all. But does this constitute a “captivating thought”? I really don’t know. I could argue that I’m at least being productive, but to what end, what purpose? Everything comes to naught in the end, you know.

So many questions, so few answers – at least, until I get to where you are, by which time, it won’t matter.

Anyway, keep an eye on me, honey, and wish me luck. I’m going to need it.