Getting off the Well-Worn Path - Encouragement for Today - March 26, 2026
Getting off the Well-Worn Path
LYSA TERKEURST
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“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Editor’s Note: Don’t skip a single day this week. From March 23-27, each devotion includes a never-before-seen excerpt from Lysa TerKeurst’s first prayer book, Come Close to Jesus. Trust us — you’ll want to read every one.
Many years ago, a friend shared with me that she’d rarely heard a word of praise from either of her parents. They weren’t overtly critical, yet they made it clear that she missed the mark for their standard of good.
They would say things like, “Too bad you got that one bad grade on your report card; otherwise, you would have been on the dean’s list.” What might seem like a minor comment from her parents turned into the well-worn path of I’m not good enough in her mind.
My friend was 40 years old when she told me this, so that soundtrack had been playing in her head for a long time. And that not-good-enough story was holding her back from the hopes and dreams she had for her life — and the plans God still has for her life.
Maybe you can relate. Or maybe your soundtrack sounds more like this:
I fail at everything I do.
If it’s not perfect, it’s not good at all.
I’m too much!
I’m such an inconvenience.
I can’t count on anyone else to help me or protect me.
Today’s key verse tells us what to do with thoughts that hinder us from moving forward in God’s purpose: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
First, we demolish thoughts. Notice how forceful that word is. When I picture a building being demolished, I picture something blowing up until it’s completely gone. We need to do the same thing with lies.
Remember that the enemy wants to make us forget what Jesus says about us and to prevent us from glorifying Him. We have to call on the God of angel armies to do battle and use His strength to destroy lies.
Second, we take thoughts captive. We are thinking something at all times, so let’s make sure those thoughts reflect what God thinks. If, like my friend, you’ve believed the same lie for a long time, that lie has likely created a well-worn path in your mind too. Our brains naturally take the path of least resistance, but if we replace those lies with Truth from God’s Word, we can create some Jesus-powered resistance that will help us get off the old path and onto the new path God has for us.
Yes, we can “be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind” (Romans 12:2, NIV). We can create new paths of thinking. What hope for our hearts today!
God of angel armies, when I become aware of a thought that doesn’t line up with Your Truth, help me develop the practice of taking that thought captive to You. I want to release the lies to You in exchange for Truth from Your Word. When I think, I’m not good enough, remind me that “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, NIV). I know I have an enemy, and the battle to believe and act on Your Truth is a spiritual battle. So, Father, I’m asking for all Your strength and power to come against the lies of the enemy, especially the ones I’ve repeated for so long. Honestly, Lord, I’m tired of listening to that soundtrack. I’m tired of it holding me back. I don’t want the hopelessness, insecurity, fear, and depression that the lies bring into my life. I want You and Your peace to rule in my heart and mind. Please help me think in a new way. A truth-filled way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
P.S. Mark your calendar for Holy Week (March 29-April 5). For eight days, we’ll pause together to steady our hearts in the finished work of Jesus — one scripture and one quiet reminder at a time.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
There’s a moment many women never talk about. The one where it’s 2 a.m., the house is quiet, and sleep won’t come because her mind won’t stop. She’s replaying a conversation, worrying about someone she loves, trying to pray — but everything feels tangled. She whispers, “Lord, I don’t even know what to say.” And she hopes that’s enough. Women write to our prayer wall from this exact moment — not polished, not put together, just awake with a heart they don’t know how to carry. When you give to Proverbs 31 Ministries, you step into that moment with her. You help make sure she’s met with Scripture and prayer instead of silence. Come Close to Jesus was created for nights like these, offering simple, steady, Scripture-shaped prayers when her own words run out. Give today and help a woman know she’s not alone in the middle of the night.
ENGAGE
Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (NIV).
What negative thoughts have you been ruminating on? Ask the Lord to help you identify verses in Scripture that you can declare each time one of those lies comes into your mind. In the comments, we’d love to hear which verses you’re clinging to.
© 2026 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
