That's Not the Problem, This Is

Posted by sharon on Apr 30, 2019

Can I be real with you? The truth is that sometimes I struggle to keep my thoughts pure and positive.

I wish I could say that every moment I'm awake, I'm thinking of just how wonderful God is, how blessed I am, and how marvelous it is to be alive, no matter the storms I face! Well, I could say that, but it wouldn't be true.

In reality, there are times when I feel consumed by the greatness of our God and His blessings for me. But every now and then, I hear whispers that cast doubt: You'll never be good enough, pretty enough, popular enough, or smart enough...

Or, how about this one:

You might as well stop praying, because God won't grant your desires. He just wants you to help other people fulfill their dreams, while never realizing your own.

What about you? How often do you allow your own brand of self-defeating thoughts to infiltrate your mind?

Of course, we shouldn't think this way, but we all do at some point. Our mind is truly a war zone, with God and the enemy wrestling to gain control. My church pastor recently preached about how bad thinking impacts us, pointing out that Satan's goal is to limit us, to stop us from doing what God called us to do. He wants to make us believe we can't be successful, or that God won't come through. Our discouraging thoughts, then, corrupt our faith and draw us away from the purpose God has for us. Once our faith crumbles, we waste time thinking and acting in ways that delay or totally sabotage God's divine plan -- a plan I'm convinced is greater than we could imagine.

Too often we think that our circumstances are holding us back. The real problem, however, may be that our minds are filled with negativity, self-pity, and fear. For me, the antidote to "stinkin' thinkin'" as Joyce Meyer would say, takes on different forms. I usually start by crying out to God, releasing my hurts and expressing my heart. That typically gives way to praising Him, because I know I have to speak words that affirm His goodness, even when I don't necessarily feel it. Soon I begin to feel better, even when nothing on the outside has changed. As I recite passages about God's love, the Word pushes out the negativity and empowers His Spirit to overcome Satan's whispers. Inevitably, my mind strays from my own issues and begins to petition the Lord for others in need. I feel a sense of peace. This is likely why the Bible tells us how we should think...

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise-dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. --Philippians 4:8-9 (HCSB)

If you struggle to change your negative mind, read some of my favorite go-to Scriptures below to stay encouraged, prayerful, and hopeful! Then send me your prayer requests, so we can fight this battle together.

Sincerely,

Sharon Tubbs

Author, Speaker, Life Coach

***

Seven Passages for Positive Thinking

1) I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. -Psalm 40:1-3 (NLT)

2) Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. -1 Cor. 15:58 (HCSB)

3) He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. -Philippians 1:6 (HCSB)

4) 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. -Romans 12:2 (NLT)

5) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. -Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)

6) You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. -John 15:16 (HCSB)

7) Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. -Hebrews 11:6 (HCSB)

Comments (0)

Add a Comment

Back to Blog Posts