How To Overcome Negative Thoughts
Anxiety, Grief, and Depression can alter our emotions and our decision-making ability. Negative emotions make us see things differently...we see fewer options that are available to us ...we think in terms of "all or nothing"...we think the worst case scenarios in the situations we come up against... we tend to think things will never get better, etc... these things are called cognitive distortions.
Some people have dealt with negative thinking their whole lives. They see the bad before the good, focusing on all that is wrong instead of the things that are right. They don't know how to live with an attitude of gratitude or look for the positives in a situation. Not every situation is good...but God is always good. He promises to bring good out of the bad for those who believe in Him. We have to learn to live with our eyes on Christ, not our circumstances, and to live in the expectation that God will fulfill His promises in our lives.
If you've ever tried to "just stop thinking" about something, you know that approach doesn't work — the thoughts boomerang back on you and you end up fixating on the troubling thoughts even more. We must train ourselves to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones...that is one way to overcome negative or self-defeating self-talk. It’s like training a muscle. The more we do something, the easier and more automatic it becomes. We have to learn to be intentional about the things that we think and the thoughts that we entertain. We may start out having to do this 50 times a day, but the more we do it, the more it becomes natural to us. It will become more automatic to let go of negative thoughts, and you will find the number of times a day you think about what has been bothering you reduced until you can let it go with just a passing thought.
The Bible says in Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to "take every thought captive".
Romans 12:2 TLB says, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
We can't just let negative thoughts go unchecked in our heads...Max Lucado says, "We can't always stop negative, fearful, or anxious thoughts from coming to our door, but we can choose which ones we will entertain." Below you will find some helpful articles, videos, and resources with tips and reminders to help you replace and overcome negative thoughts.
If you have negative tapes that you play over and over again in your mind of hurtful words and comments that people have said to you that have left scars and skewed your perceptions of yourself, God can transform your mind, thoughts and self-image and help you to erase those tapes as you feed your mind with God's word. It is easy to let the hurtful words of others become our inner voice, but that isn’t what God wants us for us. He doesn’t want us to let any words but His shape who we are and what we become. We need to let the things that God says have more power in our lives than anything else...we need to focus on how God views us and the promises and things He has said to us in His Word. The Lord loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you. He has known you before you were in your mother's womb. He says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. He calls you His heir and child. Many of us have scars and wounds from our past, but we do not have to let those things define us. We can't always control the things that happen to us, but we can control how we will react to them. We can learn to retrain our thinking and shut down anxious, negative, self-defeating, and fearful thoughts. If you deal with OCD and you get stuck in your thoughts, it might be harder for you than for the average person. Still, there are things like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that can help in addition to prayer, meditating on Scripture, and focusing on Christ. Christ can help us deal with these difficult areas.
https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/tag/ants/
https://brainmd.com/blog/stop-negative-thoughts-fast/
http://anxietynetwork.com/content/positive-thought
Five Ways Negativity Is Ruining Your Life
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320658#distractions
https://www.aplaceofhope.com/how-to-stop-thinking-about-something-6-effective-strategies/
https://psychcentral.com/blog/why-cant-i-shut-off-my-mind#tips
Here are some “notes to self” you might find helpful.
Here are some prayers you might find to be helpful
The Bible teaches us a lot about taking our thoughts captive. Paul tells us what to think about so we can have God's peace. We're told that as a person thinks, so he is, and we should meditate on God's Word night and day. When faced with adversity and difficult times, we must be especially mindful of the things we tell ourselves. Our mind can be a powerful tool in overcoming discouragement, doubts, fears, and worry if we constantly remind ourselves of God's promises and His past faithfulness in seeing us through. Fueling our minds with healthy "thought food" is just as important as feeding our bodies healthy, nutritious food. The things we tell ourselves make a difference in how well we cope with life's challenges.
Research has shown that if a person thinks of calming, positive thoughts before bed, it will help them sleep better and wake up in a better frame of mind. If you frequently wake up feeling heavy-hearted or burdened, try these things before you go to bed.
1.Pray and give your burdens to the Lord and praise the Lord for His faithfulness and goodness.
2.Listen to worship music.
3.Think about the things that bring you joy and all of the things you have to be thankful for.
4.Meditate on God's promises.
5. Let your last thoughts of the day be focused on God and not anything that is troubling you...it will really make a difference if you get in the habit of doing this every night.
6.Whenever a negative or troubling thought comes to your mind, instead of dwelling on it, switch it out for a promise from God's Word. Here is a list of scriptures that you might find helpful and comforting.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear…Be still, and know that I am God…the Lord Almighty is with us.” (Psalm 46:1-2, 10-11)
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.(Philippians 4:8-9) AMP
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
“…for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’ He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge...” (Psalm 91:1-2, 4)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:33-34)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6)
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you...the Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life…” (Psalm 121:1-8)
Going to sleep thinking about the things you have to be grateful for instead of dwelling on troubling thoughts has been proven to help people sleep better and wake up with a more positive outlook. An attitude of gratitude also helps reduce stress and anxiety. We may not be able to change our circumstances, but this is one simple change we can make to help ourselves.
Getting adequate sleep is vital for our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Grief, health issues, stress, medications, and many other issues can make getting a good night's sleep difficult, but even simple changes and strategies can reap huge rewards.