How is your change coming along?
Here we are in Part 3 of this series on how to break free from negative thinking. How is it going for you? Are you able to catch when you being critical of yourself or others and then choose differently? When looking at your difficult circumstance, have you been able to find perspective by focusing on who God is in the midst of it? It’s tough, isn’t it? I’m right there with you!
Let’s review our foundational passage. Philippians 4:4-9 says:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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.9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
A Scriptural Recipe
- Choice: Part 1 of this series addressed our ability to choose what we think about. Often we feel victim to the thoughts that come into our mind because of circumstances or the words spoken over us. We internalize beliefs that are often false and then find ourselves unable to break free from negative thinking. In the verses above, Paul tells us to think about what is good. This could sound simplistic or even ignorant in the face of what you are dealing with, but if anyone knew hardship, it was Paul. These are not trite words spoken flippantly, but rather, life-giving instruction from personal experience.
- Worship: Last week we looked at the definition of worship and the fact that we are created for it. Whether it is a favourite performer, pastime or possession, we all gravitate toward worship of something. Paul points us to Jesus, making Him the object of our greatest affection. Paul knows that living in a posture of worship makes a difference and allows us to break free from negative thinking. It’s about taking our eyes off ourselves and fixing them on the One who brings perspective and wisdom for the future.
- Thankfulness rounds out Paul’s instruction in these verses. As we choose Jesus in a moment of difficulty, worshipping Him for His ______fill in the blank___________, speaking thanks for what He has done and will do, we will break free from negative thinking. Our minds cannot maintain both!
A Deeper Look
In a recent post Dr. Caroline Leaf, a renowned neuroscientist, said this:
Gratitude is such a powerful thing! When you have a grateful attitude, your brain releases neurotransmitters and neurohormones that will boost mood, focus, clear thinking and activates a flow of healthy quantum energy through the brain and body, enhancing mental and physical health. So next time you are anxious, find something to be grateful for!
In a quick google search on the benefits of thankfulness, I found reams of information supporting this idea. Of the many, here are a few common to every list:
- Better relationships – people will like us more!
- Improved physical health – studies have shown that gratitude can lower blood pressure, increase energy and therefore increase desire for exercise
- Improved mental health – we will be happier and more optimistic
- Sleep improves as we are more relaxed and less anxious
- Self-esteem rises as we feel better about ourselves and feel appreciated by others
- Increased mental strength – gratitude aids in decision-making and goal achievement
- Improved career success – increased productivity, enhanced management skills and better networking
- Deepened spirituality – thanking God as the source of life and everything in it serves to enhance trust and dependance
Back to Scripture
I want the word of God to be my measuring stick. I am often curious to hear what various people have to say either by way of opinion or professional expertise. That said, I try to hold these human words next to God’s and see how they stand up. As I listen to various podcasts throughout the week, Dr. Leaf included, and search for information as above, I am delighted when it backs up the truth I know in the Bible. It has been crucial for me as I break free from negative thinking.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Colossians 2:7, 4:2 …rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Psalm 50:14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and perform your vows to the Most High
Psalm 95:2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
My Story
A few years ago, fear and negativity crippled me. I felt paralyzed to think or feel differently than I was. I felt victim to my circumstance and believed there was nothing more that I could do to fix the situation. Bible study remained a regular part of my routine, and times of musical worship sustained me. I would try to be thankful, but there was much that made me angry with God and others. I was honest with him, but I couldn’t see how saying ‘thank you’ for something that was hurtful and sinful could help. Even more, ‘thank you’ felt like acceptance of something that grieved me deeply.
In Psalm 50:14, listed above, notice the word ‘sacrifice’. Webster defines it as ‘the act of giving up something that you want to keep, especially to get or do something else or to help someone’. If we think of this in spiritual terms, to bring a sacrifice of thanksgiving means that I need to give up my anger, my hurt, my pain. If I wanted to honour God and live differently, I needed to say thank you in the middle of my mental anguish. I looked for things I could be grateful for. Sometimes all I could utter was Scripture itself back to God. I had few words at the beginning, but just like the google list I compiled, I began to feel the change thankfulness brought. Gratefulness became the best medicine for my aching soul. In other words, the sacrifice of laying down all that entangled me became the key to my personal freedom.
How about you?
It is not an easy journey to break free from negative thinking, especially when your situation is far from good. How are you doing as you read and process this information? I don’t pretend to think this is a quick fix, but I believe it is life-changing. Our circumstances don’t change who our God is. His character remains intact regardless of what we experience. This steadiness makes him dependable in my eyes. When I was bitter and angry, unable to find my feet, it didn’t phase him. He let me rant when I needed to and listened every time I came in tears. His response was always one of love and acceptance. But his instruction also doesn’t change. He tells us to look to him in worship and devotion, in thankfulness and praise, not because he needs an ego boost, but because we need it so desperately! It sets us on the proper path and helps us regain our footing.
What now?
With these things in mind, let’s talk practically. How can you move toward thankfulness today? We have many things to be grateful for, even if life is tough right now. Consider some of these options:
- journal your thoughts, making a list of the good things in your life
- write a note to a family member, friend or colleague letting them know how much you appreciate them
- find a creative outlet for the gratefulness you feel – art, music, poetry, gift-giving…
- thank God for his blessings before asking for anything
- be intentional to find beauty in every day
- do something thoughtful for someone, even a stranger!
This list barely scratches the surface, but hopefully it gets you thinking and moving toward greater thankfulness. The goal is to break free from negative thinking and we can take a small step today. If you find yourself stuck however, please consider discipleship coaching as a proactive movement toward change. I would consider it a privilege to walk with you. If you desire therapeutic intervention, please contact Mercy Seat Ministry.
As we close Lord, I would be remiss if I did not offer my thanks to you. Thank you for all that you give us. Indeed, there is none like you. Thank you for your word that gives us practical guidelines on how to thrive in this life. Forgive us when we forget or ignore your instruction. Help us to fix our eyes on you, the author and perfecter of our faith. Help us to worship simply because you are worthy! And as we do so, may thankfulness pour out of our lips. Make us a people of gratitude, Lord.
