Articles
Overcoming Negative Thoughts And Fear
Do we struggle with fear? Today, many are. Do our negative thoughts come from us? If we say yes, there is one more question. Who would ever choose to have a negative thought?
Negative thoughts pop in at random times or, for some, more frequently. They are like an unwanted surprise guest that shows up at our front door to tell us that our future is hopeless and that this is the end of the world. They tell us that we don't have what it takes to make it through this challenging time. They try to convince us that our best days are behind us.
Like any unwanted surprise guest, we decide whether or not to entertain them. A thought's power only comes from the power we give it. We don't have to give our negative thoughts power. We can ignore them. We can see them for what they truly are: lies, lies, lies. Always remember that having a negative thought doesn't mean we have to believe it.
Fear is a liar and if we struggle with fear and negative thoughts, it’s because we believe the lies that they tell. Fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear looks and feels true, but it isn't. We can't let fear become irrational and overtake our lives.
Fear says we aren't strong enough, good enough, successful enough, wealthy enough, happy enough, smart enough, or talented enough. Well, I say enough with fear! Instead, know the truth. God provides in us everything we need to be successful. We weren't created to be average (Eph. 2:10). We have a desire to be great because we were created and born to do great things (Phil. 1:9-10). We have a purpose. We may be going through a hard time now, but it will end. We will overcome.
When fear and negativity pop in our heads, we can ignore them or speak truth to the lies. We can make a list of all the lies fear tells us. Then we can write down the truth next to the lies. Also, write down what God says in His word about those lies. For example, Satan lied to Jesus and Jesus said, “It is written.” We can find our “It is written.” It is there. The truth empowers and gives freedom.
There is a tremendous amount of freedom in knowing that negative thoughts do not come from within. There's a ton of power in knowing that we don't have to believe the lies. We can know, speak, and live the truth and just keep moving forward with belief, optimism, faith, and determination, i.e., grit.
No matter what thoughts come our way, God has provided everything necessary for life and godly living. Thoughts will come and go but remain steadfast, one day at a time and keep moving forward. Don't look to the past. Don't look too far into the future. Do what we can do to make today great! Tomorrow has sufficient evil and yesterday is gone.
The truth is life has its hard moments. We can't control the events in our life, but we can control how we respond. Let's respond to the fear, negative thoughts, panic, and uncertainly with a faith that is strong enough to move mountains. Fear paralyzes. Faith gives life!
Faith is contagious!
Rickie Jenkins
