I’m glad you asked this — it’s one of the most common worries women share when they’re thinking about starting a meditation practice. Below I answer plainly and pastorally, explain why thoughts often race when you get still, and give gentle, practical steps to work with the wandering mind.
Can the enemy read our thoughts?
Most of us who teach Christian spirituality would answer: no, the enemy cannot read our minds like an open book. That said, the enemy has been around a long time and knows human patterns well. He understands what triggers fear, shame, and comparison in us. So while the enemy may not literally eavesdrop on every private thought, he can certainly exploit the habitual grooves in our thinking — those unhelpful loops that have been replaying for years.
So why do thoughts feel louder when we get still?
When your world is noisy — TV, phones, errands, people — much of the inner chatter hides in the background like static. Stillness is like turning the volume down on the external world; that’s when the inner playlists begin to play and you actually notice them. For many of us, 80–90% of our thinking runs on autopilot: anxieties, limiting beliefs, old shame, unprocessed hurts. Quiet doesn’t create those thoughts; it simply gives them room to surface. That can feel disturbing, but it’s not necessarily a spiritual attack — often it’s emotional and spiritual material coming up to be healed.
What’s really happening when uncomfortable stuff surfaces?
Think of a physical detox: when you cleanse your body, toxins can move and cause temporary symptoms. The same happens emotionally when you slow down. Old grief, fear, and unresolved memories can bubble up. That’s actually a healthy sign — awareness is the first step toward change. If you ignore it or label it immediately as demonic, you miss the opportunity to bring those parts to the Lord for healing.
You are not your thoughts
An important truth to hold: noticing a thought does not make it you. The very ability to observe your thought — “I’m having a thought that I’m unlovable” — shows there is separation between you and the thought. That space is powerful. In the practice of Christian meditation we cultivate that space so we can choose how to respond rather than be hijacked by every passing image or memory.
Practical steps to work with a wandering mind
- Notice without condemning. When a thought appears, simply label it inside: “There’s worry,” or “That’s fear.” Name it and let it be seen.
- Return gently to your anchor. Use a short Scripture, a sacred word, or your breath as your anchor. When your attention drifts, kindly bring it back to that anchor.
- Invite the Lord into what comes up. If a memory or fear arises, say quietly, “Lord, I bring this to You.” Let God sit with what surfaces and ask for His healing.
- Use short, declarative responses when needed. If a repeated negative thought surfaces, try speaking in faith: “I do not choose that thought in Jesus’ name.”
- Create daily discipline. The mind is trained by repetition. A short consistent practice (even 10 minutes) builds mental muscle and reduces automatic reactivity.
- Practice with guidance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, do the practice with a trusted teacher, pastor, or in a small group so you have support and discernment.
Why this work matters
A mind renewed by Scripture and the Spirit leads to life and peace. As you clear away bitter, fearful, or shame-based thinking, you create a steady interior climate where you can recognize when something truly spiritual or unusual is happening — because you will feel the difference. In other words, disciplined inner life increases discernment.
A gentle caution
If a person experiences prolonged, intense fear or unusual spiritual phenomena, seek pastoral care or a trusted Christian counselor. Meditation is sacred but it’s not a substitute for professional help when deep trauma or clinical anxiety is present.
Resources
If you want to understand the mind more deeply, check out my free 4-part video series, It’s All In Your Mind: Is Your Mind Sabotaging Your Relationship with God at thechristianmeditator.com.
If you prefer a daily guide, my book The Christian Meditation Journal on Amazon walks you step-by-step through establishing a transforming morning practice.
Ready to go deeper? Join the 5-Day Christian Meditation Bootcamp
If you’d like guided, faith-centered support to start a practice that actually changes your inner life, the 5-Day Christian Meditation Bootcamp is a compassionate, practical next step. It offers five short sessions (10–15 minutes) that combine Scripture, a breathing anchor, and simple reflection prompts — made for busy women who want structure and encouragement.
What you’ll get: daily guided meditations, Scripture-based anchors, short teaching on what to expect, and practical tips to carry the silence into your day. Why join: it helps you move from curiosity to a consistent habit, builds mental discipline, and gives you tools to bring painful thoughts to the Lord instead of being overwhelmed by them. Learn more and join here: https://thechristianmeditator.com/christian-meditation-boot-camp/
If you have more questions on this — for example, about specific practices to use when fear surfaces — leave a comment or email me and I’ll be glad to answer.
