Perhaps you’re not like
me and don’t have any trouble with negative thoughts, I however, struggle more
often than I would like to with “stinkin’ thinkin.” Many times, I wake-up to a
battle going on in mind, a battle of me thinking thoughts of defeat and discouragement.
We all know the battlefield is in our minds, and that satan can make
suggestions to us that seem ever-so real. We take the bait, and before long we
are agreeing with the lies of our adversary. I have to get up intentionally
focused on setting my first hour I awaken with the Lord, if I don’t, I am prone
to having thoughts of anxiety, fear, and discouragement. There are those times
that no matter how intentional I am my thoughts are dark and I can’t seem to
turn those thoughts around. At those times I must step back and evaluate are
there any “roots” to my thinking, and have I been spending time in God’s
presence.
Negative thoughts can consume our daily lives, and
eventually cause harm to us physically, mentally and spiritually. We must learn
to train our minds by disciplining our thoughts.
Many of our issues can be stemmed from our thoughts.
Thoughts precede behavior. If you feel depressed, check your line of thinking
first. Of course, not all depression is caused by your thinking, but even if
there is an imbalance in the brain you will still need to control your thoughts
in addition to counseling and/or medication.
Push past how you feel and be intentional about
focusing on what is good, what is lovely and what is praiseworthy. You very likely
won’t feel like thinking good thoughts all the time, but do it anyways and you
eventually will feel like it.
Negative thinking often stems from hurt, pain,
disappointments, unfulfilled dreams, anger, and hope deferred. Get to the
issues of what is causing your negative thinking. Write it out, talk it out and
pray about what is causing you to see life through a damaged filter. Daily
practice gratitude by writing or saying aloud at least (5) things that you are
thankful for. Gratitude will decrease negative thinking.
When a thought comes that is negative, ask yourself is
this lovely, praiseworthy or good? If not, replace that thought with what God
would say. You’re not denying difficulties in life, but choosing not to focus solely
on the wrong. An example would be, “It’s raining again, my outdoor plans are
ruined but my flowers and grass are being watered.”
►For additional information on how you can discipline
your mind, check out my latest book release, “Disciplining your mind, 30 days to a better you.”
No comments:
Post a Comment