Week #4: Think Courageously in Hard Times
Blog Series Intention Recap
Our thoughts and emotions shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but that’s easier said than done. Anger, anxiety, and discouragement often seem to have the upper hand—especially in a world full of injustice and uncertainty. This four-week series examines what Scripture teaches about managing our inner life with God’s help. We’ll learn to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), embracing mental and emotional health as vital to our spiritual walk.
In this blog series, I am not attempting to counsel anyone. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are real. Please find a biblical counselor or therapist who can help you process the very real and serious emotions we are discussing. This blog is meant to be a starting point, not an end point.
This page is a post in the series “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #4:
Think Courageously in Hard Times… The battle for our thoughts is part of standing firm in Jesus, especially in suffering. Hard times tempt us toward fear, discouragement, and mental weariness. Paul shows us that courageous thinking—rooted in the gospel—sustains joy and purpose even in adversity. Taking every thought captive means refusing to surrender your mind to fear, trusting God’s greater plan instead.
Why it Matters:
Suffering reveals your mindset: Will you fear or stand firm?
Gospel thinking brings joy: Messiah-centered thoughts anchor your hope.
Courage is communal: We stand stronger when we stand together.
Faith frames the future: What you believe shapes how you endure.
Go Deeper:
When Courage Fades
Suffering does strange things to our minds. Even mature believers find their thoughts drifting toward fear or despair when hardship hits.
Paul knew this well. Writing from prison in Philippians 1, he faced an uncertain future—execution was a real possibility. Yet his words are strikingly courageous. He didn’t sugarcoat suffering; he framed it through faith.
When your thoughts want to run toward worst-case scenarios, Paul shows a better path: gospel thinking. This is how we take every thought captive in hard times.
1. Suffering Reveals Your Mindset
Paul wrestled with a tension:
“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” (Philippians 1:23–24)
He wasn’t immune to longing for relief. Yet he recognized that purpose, not personal comfort, should shape his thinking.
Suffering is a mental crossroads:
Fear asks: How can I escape this?
Faith asks: How can I glorify God in this?
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” (v. 27)
Paul calls us to think in a way that honors the gospel—even under pressure.
Hard times reveal what governs your mind: fear or faith.
2. Gospel Thinking Brings Joy
Paul’s circumstances didn’t dictate his joy. The gospel did.
“I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.” (v. 25)
Even from prison, he spoke of joy—both his and theirs. This wasn’t denial. It was gospel-shaped thinking:
Jesus had already secured Paul’s ultimate victory.
His suffering served a redemptive purpose.
Joy was not tied to freedom, but to faith.
When your mind fixates on hardship, ask: What is true because of the gospel?
You are loved by God.
Your future is secure.
Your suffering is never wasted.
Joy flows from thinking deeply on gospel truths.
3. Courage Is Communal
“…that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…” (v. 27)
Paul emphasizes togetherness. Courage grows in community. Lone believers often crumble under pressure. United believers stand firm.
Notice the mental language: one mind, striving side by side.
Our thoughts are strengthened when shaped in gospel community.
Isolation breeds anxious thinking.
Fellowship fosters courageous thinking.
Paul wasn’t writing to an individual but to a church. He knew: the battle for the mind is best fought together.
4. Faith Frames the Future
“…and not frightened in anything by your opponents.” (v. 28)
Fear is a thought battle. Paul calls believers to refuse intimidation—not because suffering won’t come, but because Jesus’ victory reframes the future.
He continues:
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…” (v. 29)
This is radical thinking. Paul sees suffering not as an accident but as a gift—a participation in Jesus’ story.
Faith frames the future differently:
The world says: Avoid suffering at all costs.
The gospel says: Endure suffering with Messiah-centered courage.
When you believe that nothing—not even suffering—can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39), your thinking changes.
Your mindset in suffering reflects what you believe about your future in Messiah.
How does this help me understand, “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive?”
The Courage to Think Differently
Paul’s words challenge us: In suffering, take every thought captive—not to fear, but to faith.
Your mind will drift unless you train it. The gospel is the anchor. Jesus is the example. Community is the strength.
In a fearful world, think courageously. Stand firm. Take every thought captive—and let the peace of Messiah rule your heart and mind.
How could Paul think this way? Because of Jesus.
Jesus faced the cross with unshakable courage:
“For the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2)
His mind was anchored in the Father’s love and plan. He invites us to the same mindset:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5)
Because Jesus suffered and triumphed, our suffering is transformed—not meaningless, but meaningful.
Not the end, but a chapter in a greater story.
The gospel trains our minds to think with courage—even in the hardest times.
What are some practical steps I can take?
Preach the gospel to yourself daily: Remind your mind what is true in Messiah.
Reframe hardship: Ask: How is God using this for His glory?
Pursue gospel community: Find others who will stand with you and shape your thinking.
Write future-focused truth statements: Post them where you will see them—renew your mind daily.
