These frantic words, “Stop! Thief!,” could be ours, if someone grabs our valuables and runs.
There is another thief who quietly steals our very peace-of-mind. Sadly, many live their entire lives missing the Joy of our Lord, allowing it to be stolen, not knowing there is another way. Good news: We can pinpoint these thieves and banish them, regaining our peace-of-mind. Might it seem that thoughts just come, so we sit with them as they hit us? On the contrary. Yes, thoughts come at us. But we can choose what to do with them. Typically, our power to manage our thoughts is greatly underestimated.
Quoting St. Paul: Our weapons of warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds….and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10 RSV Catholic Edition
One kind of stronghold is getting stuck in destructive thoughts, lacking His joy. What does “taking captive our thoughts” really look like? Do we ask for His divine power?
Here is a line-up of beliefs that can lead to strongholds:
“Isn’t it awful?”
We may feel bombarded with daily news, people, circumstances, environments—that are distressing. Don’t collect them, only to become sick heart. Instead, pray about each, right then, and go on!
“It isn’t perfect!”
This is a biggie. This can be directed at particular situations, relationships, and ourselves. Where do we get this? Regardless of the cause, this can shroud us in unhappiness– even major discontent. For example: Our spouse may have a number of strengths yet fails in other areas. Have we begun focusing solely on deficits, only to overlook the many strong points?
“There’s nothing I can do.”
Knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength, it is all the more important to recognize these thieves of joy. It can feel overwhelming. For example, a household member may have lethal involvement in drugs or alcohol, sexual sin, or mental illness. We must act. Begin with prayer. Commonly people say they believe in prayer, yet don’t acknowledge its power. This in itself can steal our hope. While sharing problems indiscriminately brings problems, not sharing a problem with anyone can, as well. Further, consider help from groups such as Al-Anon, Narc-Anon, etc. to help you stay strong. Groups can offer invaluable support because they are “in the flesh.”
“Actually, I deserve misery.”
Frankly, this can serve as an excuse not to act. And it casts the spotlight on ourselves, rather than God. We may experience misery in our lives, but thinking we deserve it brings on more misery.
“I must help everyone who asks.”
We need to be helpful, but…my mom quoted an old country saying, “Even the horses get fed, rested, and cared for; otherwise, how could they do their jobs? While we aren’t livestock, she had a point! When we are struggling with a serious issue, we may need to reduce our involvement with, say, friends who themselves may be deeply troubled. At times, we may want to “spend” emotional energy that, at that time, we don’t have. Therefore, preserving our own well-being, in the big picture, is essential to being available to others.
“I’ve always been this way.”
Perhaps. But our God can do the impossible. So that “thief” has lost its punch. In fact, we grow and develop. Years of living can bring new ways of approaching things. A good answer to always having been a particular way is, “Well, it is high time to step into a more peaceful reality.” Our Lord gives us multiple examples in Holy Scripture and the Saints of people who “had always been that way,” but consider how they changed through His power! Our progress may be a little at a time, bathed in prayer, with help from others.
Her strong Catholic faith defines her approach. She is not merely a Catholic who is a therapist, but rather a therapist bringing God's best into the process. To formulate a direction, Mrs. Ambrose gets at what it is that the client really wants. Clients comment that they are truly heard. Further, with respect and dignity, Mrs. Ambrose offers specific ideas for growth while staying flexible in the way forward. She celebrates the clients' steps forward—her true joy.
To connect with Carol Ambrose, visit her directory profile at
https://find.catholictherapists.com/carol-ambrose-lcpc-lpc_virginia
- Stop! Thief! - September 24, 2026
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