How a Christian can Guard Against Negative Thoughts

 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

 

What are the things that you think about as a Christian? Are they wholesome to build you up or destructive to weaken your faith?

In the Christian journey, the mind is a battleground where spiritual warfare unfolds. So, we must take into consideration the kind of weapons we employ on our battlefields. Positive thoughts, whether joy, peace, love, or praise, are potent weapons that can help strengthen our faith and walk with God. In the same way, negative thoughts, whether they come to us as doubts, anxieties, or harmful self-talk, can be powerful weapons employed by both ourselves and the adversary to weaken our faith and hinder our relationship with God. The Bible says, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh." (2 Corinthians 10:3)

 

The Bible provides valuable guidance on how to guard against these negative thoughts and maintain a positive and faith-filled mindset.

 

The Power of Our Thoughts

 

We should recognize the power of thought. Thoughts can shape our beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and ultimately our spiritual lives.
What we think directly influences our understanding of God, belief, and the core principles of our faith. Thoughts also play a pivotal role in decision-making. We must engage our thoughts to determine what is morally and ethically right, and this guides our choices and actions. Our spiritual growth, emotional well-being, prayer and communication with God, response to life's challenges, relationships, purpose and calling, as well as the mindset of serving others, can be shaped by our thoughts. We should also remember that our perception of the world can be shaped as a result of our thoughts. Whether we see the world as fallen and needing redemption or as a place where pleasure can be found depends on us.

 

Negative thoughts, on the other hand, can infiltrate our minds, subtly eroding our faith and trust in God. It has the ability to rob us of our peace and joy. Our relationship with God becomes affected because our prayer and worship become ineffective. Negative thoughts can cloud our judgment, making it difficult to make wise and godly decisions. Prolonged negative thinking can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Again, our relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can be affected. One dangerous effect of negative thinking is that, it can create a self-perpetuating cycle where one negative thought leads to another, making it difficult to break free from this pattern.

 

The Bible teaches that there's a power that can cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This power, when we employ it, we can actively monitor our thoughts and align them with the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

 

How to guard against negative thoughts

The Bible provides powerful guidelines to help us combat negative thoughts. It provides a wealth of wisdom to assist us if we decide to put them to use on our mind's battlefields. 

 

1. Replace Negativity with God's Truth

One of the most effective strategies to combat negative thoughts is to replace them with the truth of God's Word. The Bible advises us to meditate on wholesome things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says, "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." 

When we fill our minds with God's truth and meditate on His promises, they become mighty weapons that fight and replace negativity reigning in our minds.

2. Prayer and Supplication

Prayer is a powerful weapon in guarding against negative thoughts. I don't know how a Christian will survive this journey where there is so much opposition and enemies hiding in darkness if he doesn't pray. Prayer strengthens, empowers, revitalizes, and gives us strategies as we communicate with God. Prayer helps us in an intense moment when the battle is becoming fierce. Jesus prayed, and he was strengthened to accomplish His mission on the Cross when the battle became intense. (Matthew 26:38-39)

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) states, 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

By prayer and supplication, we can pour out our concerns to God and receive the needed help and power that will guard our hearts and minds from those negative thoughts that may seek to find their way into our minds. We will receive His guidance, and find peace and reassurance.

3. Taking the Armour of God

We are encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18 to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. It encourages us to put on the whole armor of God to stand firm against the devil's schemes because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against powers and darkness.

 

This armor includes; 

• Truth on the loins
• Righteousness as breastplate
• Shod the feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace
• Shield of Faith
• The Helmet of Salvation
• Sword of the Spirit

The "Helmet of Salvation" guards our minds. It's a spiritual protective tool that safeguards the mind from damaging forces that are thrown at it. So, we must cover and protect the mind with the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

By embracing the truth of our salvation in Christ, we can repel negative thoughts and secure in the knowledge of our identity as children of God.

4. Taking Captive every Thought that appears

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV)

One very important strategy to deal with negative thoughts is to take them captive and bring them to the subjection and obedience of Christ, as the Apostle Paul instructs in 2 Corinthians 10:5. We can do so by utilizing the Armour of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. 

This process of taking them captive involves recognizing when negative thoughts arise and intentionally choosing to submit them to the Lordship of Christ. We must question the origin of these thoughts – whether they come from fear, self-doubt, or worldly influences – and replace them with the truths of God's Word. This will help us wage good warfare, and have our faith and good conscience intact in order not to suffer shipwreck of our faith. (1 Timothy 1:18)

5. Renewal of the Mind

The Bible advises us to present our bodies as living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable God, which is our reasonable service, and not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2) 

The patterns of the world are the pleasures (immorality, lust, covetousness, and others) that contend with the perfect will of God. What is the perfect will of God? It is our Sanctification. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

The mind is so important, and we must safeguard it with the truth of God's word because whatever goes in there has a huge impact on our daily lives. It's salient that we have constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit and other believers, pray, and commune to continually renew our minds and guard against negative thought patterns.

6. Cast your cares on the Lord

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

We're encouraged to cast all our anxiety, fear, trouble, and all those life issues that rage our minds on God because he cares for us. When negative thoughts and worries threaten to overcome us, we can turn to God and place our burdens in His capable hands. 

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)

Knowing that He cares for us brings tremendous comfort and joy and can dispel negative thoughts.

Conclusion

As Christians, we face a daily battle against negative thoughts, which can undermine our faith and joy. However, by actively engaging with God's Word, maintaining a prayerful life, and following this valuable Biblical guidance, we can guard against these negative influences. We must Remember that we can do all this through Christ who gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13)