I’m often working towards my goal of a more positive, uplifting mindset, but sometimes it is so difficult to do!
I can get caught in negative thought patterns or mind battles. These thoughts often aren’t honoring to myself, to God or to others. Know what I mean?
Our mind is so powerful and complex! If we are thinking negative thoughts, we will struggle in so many ways – relationally, emotionally and physically.
God knows this, of course, and that’s why the Bible has a lot to say about keeping our minds healthy. For example, in 2 Corinthians, Paul encourages us to
“… take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
Taking every thought captive means getting rid of thoughts that don’t align with Christ – choosing not to think about these thoughts and pushing them out of our brains. Sometimes bad thoughts or lies we are believing slip into our brains without us noticing.
The first step in taking thoughts captive is identifying them.
The Bible encourages us to fill our minds with pure, truthful things so that we can recognize the unwelcome thoughts when they come.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9
Wow, I love that verse!
The second part of the verse inspires me to focus on the teachings and actions of Christ to help create a positive mindset. Surrounding myself with Scripture is especially helpful for me in this process. Memorizing Scripture or writing it down and putting it in a place where I’ll see it (mirror, desk, fridge, car, phone) helps my mind focus on the truth of God’s Word.
I suggest choosing verses that specifically combat any negative thought patterns you have.
For example, if you have thoughts that you are not worthy of love or you’re unlovable, 1 John 3:1 is a great verse to focus on. It says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we may be called children of God!”
When we have God’s truth hidden inside our hearts and minds, we can compare every thought to it. We can ask ourselves “does this thought align with God’s Word?” If the answer is ‘no’, then we must shift our minds away from that thought and back to a verse that proclaims God’s truth.
As Laird Hamilton from my Train Your Mind course said, “identifying negative thoughts takes continual maintenance, but it gets easier with practice”.
Don’t get discouraged on tough days, friends! You can do it!
Thankfully God is with you and will help you every step of the way!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
P.S. Want more tips on maintaining a positive mindset? Check out my awesome Train Your Mind online course with Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece!
