Three Simple Strategies for Scrupulous Thoughts
Martin Luther was known for dealing with extreme Scrupulous thoughts surrounding fear of hell and condemnation. While reading his book of letters that he sent to congregant members, family and friends he mentions simple ways to engage with these difficult thoughts of faith. These three strategies are not exhaustive in anyway, but may be helpful tips with engaging difficult thoughts on faith.
Also, please note that Luther mentions the Devil in battling intrusive thoughts. I believe that one attack we experience can be from the Devil. But we don’t want to believe that every unwanted thought only comes from Satan. We know that our brains are malleable and often intrusive thoughts can come from repetitive thinking and many other experiences, which I hope to cover in future blogs.
1. Mock the Thoughts/Devil:
“Whenever this temptation comes to you, avoid entering upon a disputation with the devil and do not allow yourself to dwell on those deadly thoughts, for to do so is nothing short of yielding to the devil and letting him have his way. Try as hard as you can to despise those thoughts which are induced by the devil. In this sort of temptation and struggle, contempt is the best and easiest method of winning over the devil. Laugh your adversary to scorn and ask who it is with whom you are talking. By all means flee solitude, for the devil watches and lies in wait for you most of all when you are alone. This devil is conquered by mocking and despising him, not by resisting and arguing with him.”
One way perhaps the thoughts may lose their power is to mock the thoughts. To sing a funny song about it or make jokes about them. Instead of fear, we can use humor to defy our thoughts and relish in the Gospel.
2. Avoid Isolation:
“Whenever the devil pesters you with these thoughts, at once seek out the company of men, drink more, joke and jest, or engage in some other form of merriment. Sometimes it is necessary to drink a little more, play, jest, or even commit some sin in defiance and contempt of the devil in order not to give him an opportunity to make us scrupulous about trifles.* We shall be overcome if we worry too much about falling into some sin.”
Choose to spend time with others. Enjoy nature, go for a walk, dismiss thoughts. Pray for encouragement of others. Seek your encouragement when you struggle to find hope or just enjoy the presence of loved ones and choose to dismiss your thoughts.
*(Note this is the advice of Luther, so follow this according to conscience).
3. Acknowledge the Truths of Satan’s Accusations and then Defy It.
“When the devil throws our sins up to us and declares that we deserve death and hell, we ought to speak thus: “I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? Does this mean that I shall be sentenced to eternal damnation? By no means. For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Where he is, there I shall be also.”
Often the thoughts can hold some truth to it and so it’s hard to get rid of them. But if we can engage with the truth of what God says, we have a better chance to allow them to lose their hold on us.
Luther, Martin, Luther: Letters of Spiritual Counsel.
