134 – Mariel – Finding Peace When Tormenting Thoughts Attack
“Again, thank you for answering my emails , yes my grandmother was in to wiccan and new ages stuff and was catholic I grow up in that stuff as well ( my grandmother raised me) I renounced all of that stuff. I was deep in to sin for years as a fake Christian but after the Lord exposed it and showed me I was on my way to hell and that we are in the end times I gave my my life to Christ and the Lord was merciful enough to keep me from getting involved in false doctrine like prosperity gospels . I’ve been watching people like Paul Washer and Jacob Prasch and Francis Chan . I have been taking your John 7:17 challenge and am on day 39 Grace vs Law . I watched your video called getting a fresh start with God and when you talked about unforgiveness even towards ourselves is bad so I told the Lord I forgave everyone even myself and I actually felt peace and the Lords presences for the whole rest of that day , even the bad thoughts got better and almost went away for the rest of that day. But the next day the torment came back and worse. The thoughts are so bad I can barely read the bible sometimes ( can’t focus or concentrate ) I have to listen to the audio bible even when I sleep .
How do I get a heart level knowledge Jesus Christ ? I believe and am trying my best to trust in the Lord but I get mocking thoughts (a voice) telling me I don’t believe and that I’m still being fake and that I’m going to hell or prideful thoughts telling me I don’t need God or to rebel against him or to sin again or I’ll have it saying the name Satan when I try to worship God or pray I’ve gotten to the point I don’t trust most of my thoughts . I’m not sinning now (that I know of) and I’m trying to be honest and walk in the light but I keep getting attacked in the spiritual and in the natural . I know I had several Idols that God was not happy about but I let them go as far as I know . I know we are not to have fear but I’m afraid , I asked the Lord to cleanse my heart like you said in your fresh start with God video and I understand what you meant by being tested or going through the wilderness . I just want to know that I’m on the right path i was on the wrong one for so long I’m scared of getting lost again. I watched a Paul Washer video were he said to seek God violently , how do I do that ?
Again I want to thank you for your recording yesterday it helped me ( I was having a panic attack) but afterward my husband and I did what you said and told God as a couple we surrender all to him no matter what .
Again thank you to you and your wife for your help, my husband is also doing you John 7:17 challenge so he might email you on his own too if thats ok. Thanking you in advance .
Mariel
I’m sorry to bother you again I know you are taking a break for a month but I needed to know what your opinion on deliverance ministries are . I was thinking about contacting a deliverance minister (the torment is really bad ) but then thought about what you said about God allowing torment to show us there’s a problem to deal with so I don’t know what to do now. If you want to wait until you come back from your break to answer this email that’s totally fine, again I’m sorry to bother you and your wife on your break.
God bless you both”
Finding Peace When Tormenting Thoughts Attack
Have you ever felt bombarded by negative, tormenting thoughts? Do whispers of doubt and fear creep into your mind, making you question God's love and your salvation? You are not alone. Many believers, like Mariel, face these spiritual battles. But take heart, these struggles can be a sign of God's pursuit, a refining fire drawing you closer to Him.
It’s crucial to recognize the source of these attacks. Often, unresolved unforgiveness or lingering ties to the occult can open doors to spiritual oppression. If you’ve renounced these things, receive God's forgiveness by faith and ask Him to reveal any hidden areas of darkness in your heart. The John 7:17 challenge encourages seeking God's will, and part of that is allowing Him to expose and heal our inner wounds.
But even with a clean heart, we can still face spiritual attacks and torment. We remember Jesus in the wilderness and Paul’s torments of the thorn in the flesh. They too, were tested and humbled by the devil. These attacks aim to weaken our faith and make us question God's goodness. So, how do we fight back? Resist the devil and he will flee. And here’s a powerful weapon: praise. Begin to thank God for the attacks. Yes, you read that right. Thank Him for allowing the devil to reveal your weaknesses and draw you into deeper dependence on Him.
These tormenting thoughts are not always a sign of God's displeasure, but an opportunity for growth. They are often part of a wilderness season, a time of God ordained spiritual battle, testing and refinement. It may feel painful and isolating, but God is using this time to strengthen your faith and prepare you for greater things. He is completely sovereign and in control. Trust that He is working all things together for your good. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and persevere. Deliverance will come. You will see the faithfulness of God.
