How Can I Overcome Negative Thought Patterns?

As followers of God, our spiritual journey involves learning to bring our thoughts under the control of God in obedience to Jesus Christ.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to God unto the pulling down of fortifications, destroying counsels, And every height that exhalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every understanding unto the obedience of Christ;” (II Corinthians 10:4–5).

Along with wrong thoughts comes the temptation to think independently of God, to resist submitting your thoughts to His control. Don’t shut the door on God’s involvement. Turn your thoughts into discussions with God!

• Consider each thought in light of God’s Word.

  Man’s ideas are different than God’s ideas. (See Isaiah 55:8–9.) Ask God for discernment to see issues from His perspective.

• Claim the specific principles and promises of God’s Word.

  Find Scripture passages that address the particular issue you are facing. Is there a Biblical character who experienced a similar situation? Consider what you can learn from that illustration.

• Respond to wrong thoughts with a specific Scripture.

  In the account of Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4:1–11, we learn how to respond to Satan’s temptations with the power of the Word of God. Follow Jesus’ example and use a specific passage to counter wrong thoughts.

• Focus your thoughts on Biblical truth.

  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 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.” (Philippians 4:8).