Fighting Through The Fog of Negative Thoughts

I wish I could see myself how God sees me

He looks at my heart not how I appear outwardly

I wish I could see myself through God’s eyes

Not how I think the world sees me

I wish I could trust in the faithfulness of His love

Not how changing people can be

I wish I could stand confidently in who I am to Him

Not in the shame and guilt of the sinful things I’ve done

I wish I could feel joy seep deep into my spirit

Not let my circumstances dictate how I feel

I wish a lot of things, but wishing does nothing unless followed with action. And with rewiring thought patterns it takes endurance and hard work. The question I have to ask myself is, ‘Is it worth it?’ From an outward perspective, the logical answer is ‘YES!’ But what about in the trenches of Hurt and Habit? What about when it’s been so deeply ingrained into your heart that you only have worth when you think, say, and do better than the best that you can do. (Which is impossible by the way.)

A lot of those ingrained thoughts started in my childhood. I often misinterpreted things others said to me. I thought everyone I encountered had something against me. Maybe they did. Maybe they didn't. But I can't place blame on those people and choose to hold a grudge against them. The choice is mine now, whether or not I will believe what other people might think of me. Or I can choose, no matter how I'm feeling, to trust in God's never-ending love for me.

There could be truth in the negative things the Enemy or others might say about me (because I'm a sinner). But I don't have to let those things dictate how I live my life now. I don't have to hold onto those things, because my old self died, and my life is hidden with Christ now.

But real life isn’t a Mary Poppins movie. There is no magical snapping the fingers and all our thoughts are instantly speaking the truth of what God’s Word tells us.

I think about soldiers and warriors. (Which I know is a huge topic change from Mary Poppins) To be able to win a battle they strategize, train, and practice using their weapons. We can’t expect to win our battles in life without the same mindset. We have to train and fight and practice (with God’s Word) when we’re not necessarily being directly attacked.

I get so worried and annoyed when I keep fighting the same temptations or fears. It makes me feel like I’m a broken human who can never experience victory over my battles. But am I doing anything outside of those moments to train myself to immediately know how to counterattack? Nope. Yes, I’ll read my Bible, and there are verses somewhere in my head that I memorized when I was younger. But I’m not often reading God's Word to deep dive and be intentional to apply the Word to my daily life choices and thought battles I have.

Someone that I look up to shared a simple, but I think powerful, trick using Philippians 4:8. First, here’s what the verse says,

'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.'

She pointed out that the first thing listed that our thoughts should be focused on are the things that are true. Could it be true that I’m being bratty and unkind to my family? Probably, yes. 🙈 But that sin is already covered by the blood of Jesus. The greater truth is that I’m forgiven and set free. Just because, from my binocular view of a situation, it might seem like someone hates me, doesn’t mean I need to hold onto that and let it fester in my heart. I don’t always know the truth about a situation. So, I shouldn’t choose to believe a lie until I know the truth.

Then, once I decide if something is true or not, I can go to the next phrase of the verse. Is it honorable? No? Then I can surrender it to Jesus. Is it just? Etc. etc. etc. Forming habits like this takes practice, but it truly is worth it, because that means our minds are being shaped to look more like the mind and life of Christ. And that’s what God wants for us.

This week, I’m going to do my best to practice this way of sorting my thoughts using this verse. You’re free to join me if you want. :) It excites me to think about not drowning in negative thoughts so often. It excites me that I can learn to realize when a thought isn’t honoring to God, being able to let it go, and then speaking truth instead. All the while, remembering that I have my part, but God is working right with me and will continue to help me align my mind with His truth.

What are y'alls tips and tricks for fighting negativity/lies the Enemy tries to get you to believe?

✌🏼& ♥️,

Hannah