CONTROLLING NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Yes, I know we are looking at the same passage as yesterday, but this has so much life changing truth it is worth a second look. Yesterday we talked about knocking down the strongholds of human reasoning. Today let’s look at destroying false arguments and capturing rebellious thoughts.
I remind us of a statement I made yesterday, we can pick what we ponder. We each get to make a choice of what we will allow our minds to focus on. There will always be negative thoughts that have to be attacked and destroyed. Some struggle with thoughts of fear, worry, and anxiety. For others the battle is over lust or greed or anger or jealously. There are many options for negative thoughts.
I believe we can use a three-pronged attack on controlling negative thoughts—reject, rebuke, and replace.
First let’s talk about REJECT. This is where we start the process by recognizing the negative thoughts and choosing to refuse to linger on those thoughts. I believe we must actively choose to reject these thoughts. Yes, we can play with them, however they are trouble. It is like playing with a rattlesnake. If you play with it long enough you will get bit.
Secondly, let’s REBUKE the thought. It may sound weird and feel awkward at first, but it is okay to speak to your negative thoughts. I have often had to speak out loud to my thoughts when I realized I was spending too much time on negative thoughts. I have said to fear, “I rebuke that thought of fear.” It is okay to speak out loud or in your head to the thoughts that are trying to pull you down and destroy God’s destiny for your life.
Finally, we need to REPLACE the wrong thoughts. This is where victory comes into play. We can rebuke thoughts and win the battle. Our brains are active and need something to think about. So, let’s replace the negative with a positive.
I have rebuked thoughts of fear by saying, “God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (Philippians 1:6) I replace the negative with the truth of God’s Word.
When I have felt guilt or shame I declare, “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. I walk by the Spirit therefore I reject those thoughts of condemnation.” (Romans 8:1)
We need to train our minds with the Word of God. This is why it is critical to daily take time to read and memorize God’s Word. Our human mind must be cleansed daily with God’s eternal Word. It is truth.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to know Your Word. Help me to commit to daily cleanse my mind with Your Word. In Jesus name I reject and rebuke the negative thoughts that are trying to destroy me, and I confess I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
I choose to fill my mind with God’s truth.
Lord , one of my New Year’s resolutions is to be in better accordance with you and your word. I’ve realized lately that I tend to gossip way too much. I will use these three steps to do a better job at not doing such.