How To Combat Negative Thoughts

Words can make or break you.

But it's your thoughts that you have to watch out for.

The mind can be a very dangerous thing because once something is put into your head, it stays there, living rent free and taking up space. And sometimes, those ideas, words or images aren't ones that will build you, but rather tend to pester and discourage you from progressing in your life.

I've always had a wild imagination. One that I tended to channel into story writing. But although I'm grateful for such an amazing skill, it's also one that has brought me a lot of trouble. Growing up, I've always wrestled with negative thoughts, whether immoral or just plain negative. And it's still a problem for me today. I know myself. I know that what I feed my mind essentially determines the scenarios and thoughts that will run through it for the rest of the day, week or even months. And most often, these negative thoughts push me to do the wrong things and to doubt myself.

A sermon I heard from Dr Abel Damina told me that we are products of our thinking, and our thoughts determine our lifestyle. And I couldn't agree more. If we think positive thoughts, it positively influences our way of life, actions and words. When our thoughts are dark and negative, we find ourselves in a bad place in life and following those bad thoughts are a long line of insecurities, doubts and fears.

I know a lot of people also wrestle with negative and/or immoral thoughts, and no matter how they try, they can't seem to get rid of them. I can say that I definitely know how you feel. It's not easy trying to be positive when negative thoughts from years ago still exist at the back of your mind. But honestly, we can overcome them. Things won't always be easy, and there will be bad days, but it's our choice whether we let our thoughts push us to excellence or to despair.

Here are a few things we can do to fight these negative thoughts.

1. Speaking Words of Affirmation

Daily affirmations are said to have powerful effects on the conscious and unconscious mind. So make sure to declare positive words about yourself each day. The only way to fight evil is with good, so use positive words to trump any pessimistic, wrong or degrading thought that may come to mind.

2. Declaring Bible scriptures

God's Word has so many verses to help combat bad thoughts. Write them out, post them on your wall and memorise them. Revelations 12:11a says that, 'And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony'.

Speaking out God's Word and commanding negative thoughts out of our mind is something we're encouraged to do, because God's words are truth and powerful enough to overcome and free you from every negative and harmful thought. Here are a few scriptures you can check out:

- Philippians 4:8

- Isaiah 26:3

- Romans 8:1-3

- 2 Corinthians 10:5

3. Worship music or any uplifting, positive music

Listening to worship music or uplifting, motivational songs can help deter thoughts that trouble our minds. Music can be calming and the right lyrics can help remind you of who you are, or more importantly, who God says you are in Jesus Christ. God's thoughts about us are only the best and He sees us for what we can be and not the wrong that we've done or for the things about ourselves that we hate. Listening to songs that remind us of that and that tell us of how Jesus' sacrifice freed us from any bondage to negative thoughts, will help us combat the bad thoughts we struggle with.

4. Avoiding things and people that will put negativity in your mind

What you feed your mind is very important. Just like how junk food gradually brings negative consequences on our body, so the junk we put into our minds can harm us in the long run. We need to be careful of the kind of things we read, look at and listen to, because they tend to stick in our minds longer than we even anticipated. Only take in things that will improve your thought pattern and lifestyle. If it means avoiding certain websites, social media, TV shows, books or music, then take that step.

We also need to beware of people who don't bring positivity into our lives. Even people we follow on our social medias can say or post things that don't help build us up but rather cause us to question and doubt ourselves. The solution: stop following them. Surround yourselves with people you know will uplift and edify your mind and soul.

5. Talk to God and talk to someone you trust

God knows the things we struggle with and wants us to come to Him when we're in trouble. He doesn't turn His back on us when we do wrong but rather reaches out to help us out of our fallen state. Talk to Him when you have these negative beliefs about yourself or others, or when those godless thoughts come to mind. He'll help you overcome them.

And as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). We have a task to help each other out when faced with difficulties and to reach out to people who may be struggling in any way. Overcoming hardships is much easier when we have someone trustworthy helping us get through. If you're struggling with anything, talk to someone about it. They can help you in more ways than you might realise. And you never know who may be struggling with the same thing.

Do you ever struggle with negative thoughts? How do you resist them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or you can email/message me on social media. I'd ove to hear your opinions. Have a great day!

Stay blessed and stay a blessing.