Why do humans more quickly see what's wrong than what's right? We are more likely to remember rudeness than kindness. Crimes seem to receive more attention than acts of generosity. And disasters grab our attention more quickly than the profound beauty all around us.
It is quite impossible to look at the good and even our thoughts are filled with negativity.
Thoughts of worry, insecurity, frustration, anger often engulf us.
Also we find ourselves rehearsing conversation in our thoughts
Consider the following questions.
- Are you critical of others?
- Do you mope because you do not receive the praise you feel you deserve?
- How much time do you spend worrying about this or that?
- How much time do you spend grumbling or complaining or feeling sorry for your self?
- How much time do you spend thinking about the TV shows you watched last night?
- How much time do you re-live the bad things people do to you?
- Do you list out all your misfortunes?
- Do you allow yourself to be angry for long periods of time?
- Do you think about bad things happening to the people you are angry with?
- Do you think about bad things happening to yourself?
- Do you rejoice in the misfortunes of others?
- Do you dwell on lustful and impure thoughts?
- Do you glory in the important position you hold in church?
- Do you review reasons why you are better than others or better suited than others?
- Do you list reasons why others you know are deficient in some way as compared to yourself?
So how to avoid negative self talk.
6 Tips for Overcoming Negative Self-Talk
Do you struggle with negative thoughts? If so,
you know that it has a snowball effect of failure leading to poor choices and
regrets. It’s difficult, but not impossible to overcome negative self-talk.
Through time, effort, and a strong desire to be free—you will overcome through
the power of Christ by following essential six tips:
Tip #1) Renew your mind
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Sometimes we entertain negative thoughts because
of what others have said to us. We’ve been called stupid, ugly, or worse—and
when we hit a low point of our lives, these are the very words we hear in our
minds. However, God’s word affirms our value and worth in Jesus Christ. We were
created for a divine purpose and God knows how to use our weakness to bring
strength to the body of Christ. By memorizing and meditating on Scripture, we
can renew our pattern of thinking to reflect what God says rather than what man
has said.
Tip #2) Learn a new language
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of
eternal life” (John 6:68).
In order to close the door on negative self-talk,
it will be necessary to replace all negativity with words of hope and life from
God’s word. Pray and search for selected passages of Scriptures that encourage
your thoughts towards righteousness and truth. Proverbs 139 reveals how God
knew you before you were born and has a purpose for your life. 1 Peter 2:9
affirms that you are chosen by God and 2 Corinthians 5:17 reveals how you are a
new creature in Christ Jesus. Speak those scriptures out loud to yourself until
it becomes your habit to speak truthful words instead of the lies.
Tip #3) Change your Focus
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly
things” (Colossians 3:2).
The temptation to compare ourselves with other
people can lead down the road towards negative self-talk. It’s important to
shift your focus from looking at what God does for other people to what God is
showing you about your life. The body of Christ is rich in diversity and
spiritual gifts. Each child of God is gifted in some way to benefit and build
up the church. By focusing on what is eternal (rather than what is earthly and
temporary) your mind will be drawn towards hope, joy, and peace in Jesus Christ
rather than your situation.
Tip #4) Counter the Negative
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that
sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
No one is going to show up and make you think differently. You are the one that has the responsibility of taking every thought captive and making it obey Christ. This will require diligence and effort by refusing every negative or sinful thought with scripture. As a believer, you have the power through the Holy Spirit to overcome the evil thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 is an especially effective verse to memorize when your thoughts wander off to the negative. This scripture will build up your confidence so that the stronghold weakens and eventually is demolished in your mind.
No one is going to show up and make you think differently. You are the one that has the responsibility of taking every thought captive and making it obey Christ. This will require diligence and effort by refusing every negative or sinful thought with scripture. As a believer, you have the power through the Holy Spirit to overcome the evil thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 is an especially effective verse to memorize when your thoughts wander off to the negative. This scripture will build up your confidence so that the stronghold weakens and eventually is demolished in your mind.
Tip #5) Stay on your Guard
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Passivity is the enemy of your mind. Just as a
soldier mustn’t fall asleep or allow himself to daydream while on guard duty—so
it is with your mind. Satan can’t read your thoughts; however, he can influence
your mind with evil thinking especially condemning words towards yourself. You
must remember that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1
John 4:4). The devil can’t handle the Word of God spoken in faith—this is the
reason he had to depart from Jesus because He said “It is written…” Don’t be
afraid to speak aloud to negative thoughts with what God’s word declares.
Tip #6) Stretch your Faith
“Because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance” (James 1:3).
Many of us who’ve spent a lifetime with negative
self-thinking can’t imagine doing things beyond our capabilities. Yet that is
exactly where God wants you to be. It’s when we believe and trust God beyond
our abilities that we come to understand who we really are in Christ. We are
overcomers by our spiritual nature and born again to trample over demonic
strongholds in building up the kingdom of God. Your faith will be strengthened
as you embrace God’s word as truth and live your life honoring Him through
obedience. Faith stretching is a necessary part of becoming new in your thought
life.
What to think about?
What to think about?
Paul instructed in Philippians 4:8 “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.” Practice training your
thoughts towards what is listed above and you will find yourself becoming a
stronger, more confident child of God.
Consider the following:
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Author Unknown
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Author Unknown
Source and Credits
http://odb.org/2016/02/27/taking-notice/
http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/6-tips-for-overcoming-negative-self-talk/
http://www.memoryverses.org/how3.shtml