Face the truth
There are times that I am a negative thinker. According to God's word, I can overcome negative thinking!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
During times of trials we can be overtaken by negative thoughts as Satan's deceptions influence our mind and heart.
Revelation 12:9
The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.
We may say things in negative ways.
Mark 7:18
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.
We need to be more positive in what we think and say.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
How do we achieve this?
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
The power of positive thinking is rooted in our faith and belief in His Word.
Believe by confessing His word. Go the extra mile and speak the Word out loud.
Mark 4:24-25
"Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Here, in God's word, are some clear directions on how to think positively.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Let's break this verse down.
Whatever is true
John 3:33
Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.
Direct your mind on how God is always truthful. God says, "I will never leave you” and "I make all things work together for your good." The truthfulness of God powers our faith.
Things that are noble
Acts 17:11
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica.
The Bereans were diligent in searching the scriptures.
A noble mind is open to exploring God’s word rather than clinging to man’s traditions. The power of God generates an openness and approachable attitude about God’s word.
Things that are right
Psalm 33:4
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
You can always differentiate right from wrong
Things that are pure
Proverbs 15:26
The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
God's power is found in the lips of a pure heart. Practice keeping your heart pure by meditating on God's word.
Things that are lovely
Song of Solomon 6:4
You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners.
When you have negative thoughts, train your mind to think about things that are lovely; good memories, beauty, God's faithfulness, thankfulness.
Things that are Admirable
2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan—in life they were loved and admired, and in death they were not parted.
Saul and Jonathan were as different as night from day; yet both were admired in their day. Jesus is far greater than these men and worthy of all our admiration. We can center our thoughts to feast on the goodness of Christ. The power of God opens up our minds to His great sacrifice and love that leads us into eternal life.
Things that are excellent
1 Timothy 3:13
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Focused meditation on Grace can relieve us from negative thinking. The endless possibilities of grace through Christ gives us the power to think positive and move forward.
Things that are praiseworthy
Psalm 78:4
We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.
We praise Jesus because of the burden he took on so we could be saved and live free. These thoughts of praise release us from the depths of despair.
The power of positive thinking
The Bible clearly leads us in the direction of positive thinking in our Christian walk. As believers, we have the power of God to discipline our thinking. It takes effort to train the mind to lean towards hope in the midst of suffering; yet it’s worth it when the fruit of godliness springs up within your soul.
Substitute Negative Thoughts With Positive Thoughts
I do not feel loved.
With
God loves me and nothing can buffet that. Romans 8:31; 38-39
I give up.
With
I can. Philippians 4:13
I am too weak.
With
The Lord is my strength. Psalm 27:1
I am a failure.
With
God does not abandon me. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
I am worthless.
With
I am not worthless because God made me. Psalm 139 13-16
I am confused.
With
God has a plan for me. Jeremiah 29:11
I am afraid.
With
God gives me power, love and no fear. 2 Timothy 1:7
I feel alone.
With
God is with me. Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5
I feel unfulfilled.
With
I can be content. Philippians 4:11
I do not know what to do.
With
God will give me wisdom. James 1:5
I feel judged.
With
I am not condemned. Romans 8:1
References
From the men's Sunday school class, Johnson Frist Church of God, Morehead, Kentucky.
Images copyright ©Evans Photography 2016
Credits:
Images ©Evans Photography 2016