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When bad things happen to certain people, their first thought is, “Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.” When they meet with failure in life, a recording in the back of their mind begins to play things like, “I knew I could never have a happy marriage,” or “Of course I didn’t get that promotion. I’m a fraud and everyone knows it.”
This same train of thought darkens their vision too. When imagining their future, they envision a series of setbacks and heartaches—a mediocre life that doesn’t come close to the possibilities God has for them. Faulty beliefs about their worth and capabilities prevents them from aiming higher and thwarts the confidence it takes to build a successful life.
So, if thinking defeating thoughts are so destructive, why would anyone do it?
Our thoughts are habitual. And dwelling on negative thoughts can be very addictive.
If you often feel down, suffer anxiety, lack confidence, or are fearful about your future, you know exactly how habitual these negative thoughts can be. In the midst of an ordinary day, a thought will hit your mind that causes an emotional reaction. Often you don’t even realize it until your mood has changed.
Breaking this habit of negative thinking can do wonders. Easier said than done, right? Well, not really. God created us to be creatures of habit. This aspect of our personality can annoy us when we develop bad habits all too easily, but it can be our best friend when trying to develop a good one. Good habits can be quickly formed to overpower bad habits.
When it comes to overcoming negative thinking, it’s great to think positively, but there’s an even better way to overcome. You need to build a good habit that changes you from the inside out. Instead of just replacing those negative thoughts with positive ones, replace them with God’s Word.
Jesus says in Mark 9:23 that all things are possible to those who believe. Through Jesus, you have the power to overcome, conquer, prosper and succeed. The next time you feel gloomy, have doubts, or are overcome by fear, recite this verse in your head. Get in the habit of repeating this and other verses that replace self-defeating thoughts. If you start today, within three weeks time you won’t even have to make a conscious effort. It will become habit.
Consider what Joshua 1:8 says: “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.”
Notice the phrase “meditate on it day and night.” It doesn’t say once in a while, or every second night, but to make it a daily habit. It doesn’t have to be for hours at a time, but when you do this daily, it has the same effect as going under the surgeon’s scalpel to cut and drain out an infection. Once a wound is clean, it can heal beautifully. However, as long as debris and infection are present, the wound remains raw and painful. God’s Word can clean out infectious thoughts and beliefs, replacing them with God-thoughts and beliefs that can miraculously heal your heart and mind.
This same train of thought darkens their vision too. When imagining their future, they envision a series of setbacks and heartaches—a mediocre life that doesn’t come close to the possibilities God has for them. Faulty beliefs about their worth and capabilities prevents them from aiming higher and thwarts the confidence it takes to build a successful life.
So, if thinking defeating thoughts are so destructive, why would anyone do it?
Our thoughts are habitual. And dwelling on negative thoughts can be very addictive.
If you often feel down, suffer anxiety, lack confidence, or are fearful about your future, you know exactly how habitual these negative thoughts can be. In the midst of an ordinary day, a thought will hit your mind that causes an emotional reaction. Often you don’t even realize it until your mood has changed.
Breaking this habit of negative thinking can do wonders. Easier said than done, right? Well, not really. God created us to be creatures of habit. This aspect of our personality can annoy us when we develop bad habits all too easily, but it can be our best friend when trying to develop a good one. Good habits can be quickly formed to overpower bad habits.
When it comes to overcoming negative thinking, it’s great to think positively, but there’s an even better way to overcome. You need to build a good habit that changes you from the inside out. Instead of just replacing those negative thoughts with positive ones, replace them with God’s Word.
Jesus says in Mark 9:23 that all things are possible to those who believe. Through Jesus, you have the power to overcome, conquer, prosper and succeed. The next time you feel gloomy, have doubts, or are overcome by fear, recite this verse in your head. Get in the habit of repeating this and other verses that replace self-defeating thoughts. If you start today, within three weeks time you won’t even have to make a conscious effort. It will become habit.
Consider what Joshua 1:8 says: “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.”
Notice the phrase “meditate on it day and night.” It doesn’t say once in a while, or every second night, but to make it a daily habit. It doesn’t have to be for hours at a time, but when you do this daily, it has the same effect as going under the surgeon’s scalpel to cut and drain out an infection. Once a wound is clean, it can heal beautifully. However, as long as debris and infection are present, the wound remains raw and painful. God’s Word can clean out infectious thoughts and beliefs, replacing them with God-thoughts and beliefs that can miraculously heal your heart and mind.
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