Introduction
Negative thoughts can debilitate, causing distress and anxiety, and affecting our daily lives. Even as Christians, it is natural to experience negative thoughts from time to time. However, dwelling on those negative thoughts can hinder spiritual growth, damage relationships, and ultimately lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness. Is it possible to get rid of those negative thoughts spiritually?
The good news is that there are ways to overcome negative thoughts and transform them into positive, uplifting ones. Our faith is a powerful tool in helping us overcome these negative thoughts spiritually and bring a sense of peace and tranquility into our lives.
This article explores how to get rid of negative thoughts spiritually and lead a more positive and fulfilling life. You will learn how to change your thinking biblically.
How do I stop negative thoughts spiritually?
God created us as spiritual beings. We are not just flesh and blood—we have a spirit, a soul, and a body. As Christians, we need to take the spiritual side into account when trying to remove negative thoughts from our subconscious mind. However, before we can get to that part, we need to understand the root cause of negative thoughts.
The first step in getting rid of negative thoughts is to understand their root cause. Negative thoughts are often triggered by experiences, trauma, negative self-talk, or fear of the future. Identifying your root cause of negative thoughts is essential in addressing them effectively. Through Biblical meditation, prayer, and self-reflection, you can begin to recognize the patterns of negative thinking and address them with compassion and understanding.
Meditation is a powerful spiritual tool that can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. Through meditation, you can train your mind to focus on God’s Word and on the present moment, helping you to release negative thoughts and emotions that no longer serve you. And instead, filling you with God’s Word and His Spirit.
Check what does the bible say about negative thoughts, find scriptures, and meditate on them. Look for Bible verses to overcome negative thoughts and reflect on them daily.
How can God help with negative thoughts?
If you wonder, “why do I have bad thoughts as a Christian?”, don’t blame yourself and don’t feel ashamed. It is not because of you, but because we live in a fallen world. So don’t beat yourself up if you are battling negative thoughts. It is a tactic from the enemy—who came to steal, kill, and destroy.
Jesus came to rescue us—spirit, soul, and body—our thoughts included. Jesus is the Word in the flesh. It is through the Word of God that we can defeat negative thoughts. The truth of God’s Word will set us free. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is powerful:
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
When we speak His Word over our lives, it has literal power in the spiritual realm. It has the power to destroy negative thoughts and destructive thought patterns.
God created us in His image. We can get rid of negative thoughts with His help. He knows us, and he knows humanity. God knows our minds can bombard us with harmful thoughts. But He also knows He is greater than that. He knows the plans He has for us.
So, how can God help with overcoming negative thoughts? We can pray and ask Him to deliver us, to change our thought patterns. We can read the Bible—God’s living Word—and focus on verses about overcoming negative thoughts or verses that we can use to replace those thoughts.
God, as the Holy Spirit, can revive our spirits and bring new life to our thoughts. When the Holy Spirit controls our mind, we will automatically think positive thoughts, godly thoughts.
Bible verses to overcome negative thoughts
Bible verses are powerful tools to get rid of negative thoughts spiritually. God’s Word is spiritual—not just ink on paper (2 Corinthians 3:3). It is possible to overcome pessimistic thoughts biblically by studying verses about our thinking, God’s plans for us, spiritual transformation, etc.
Reading those Bible verses will help us set our minds on the things above. When we focus on God instead of ourselves and our situation, we will have a more positive outlook on life. The Bible has many scriptures we can use to fight our negative thoughts.
God gave us topics to think about that will fill our minds and hearts with positivity. When we focus on these things, we will renew our thinking.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
A powerful verse to replace negative thoughts is in Jeremiah 29 verse 11 (NLT). Whenever we are scared, doubtful, insecure, or plainly negative, we can remember that God’s plans for us are good. His Word is unfailing and nothing can stop His plans for us.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
God tells us we have the power to bring negative thoughts under control. We can do that spiritually by bringing them into obedience to Christ, our Savior.
“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT)
If your negative thoughts circle around worry about your livelihood, remember that God supplies all your needs. No need to worry!
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
We can also think negatively about ourselves. When those thoughts pop up, focus on scriptures that confirm how wonderful God made you and how much He loves you.
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”
Psalm 139:14 (NLT)
“For we are God’s masterpiece.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
What are 8 ways to get rid of negative thoughts?
Trying to overcome negative thoughts can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be difficult. With the help of God and His Word, we can do it. It is important to approach this consciously and with effort. We can start with setting a strong goal to overcome our negative thoughts as Christians.
Here are eight strategies to help you get rid of negative thoughts spiritually:
1. Start by acknowledging the negative thoughts
The first step in overcoming negative thoughts is to acknowledge them. It’s tempting to push negative thoughts aside or pretend they don’t exist, but this only makes them more powerful. Instead, take a moment to recognize and accept the negative thoughts as they are.
Acknowledge that they exist, but also recognize that they don’t define who you are or your worth in the eyes of God. Confess this awareness to God. Confession is acknowledging what you did.
2. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones
Once you have acknowledged your negative thoughts, start working on replacing them with positive ones. This can be challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes easier.
One way to do this is to find positive Bible verses that relate to your negative thoughts and meditate on them. For example, if you’re feeling anxious, meditate on Philippians 4:6-7: “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.”
It can be very helpful to use intrusive thoughts worksheets and exercises.
3. Positive affirmations as a spiritual tool
Positive affirmations can help us replace negative thinking patterns with positive ones. By repeating positive affirmations to ourselves, we can change our thought patterns and develop a more positive mindset. We can rebuke negative thoughts by speaking God’s Word.
Some examples of positive affirmations include, “I am worthy of love and respect,” “I can achieve my goals,” and “I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life.”
Consistently declaring who you are in Christ will bring a huge turnaround in your thinking. Here are some free sample affirmations (pdf).
4. Practice gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful spiritual tool for overcoming negative thoughts. When we focus on the things we’re grateful for, we shift our attention away from negative thoughts and towards positive ones. We have much to be grateful to God for.
Take a few minutes each day to journal three things you’re grateful for, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you develop a habit of gratitude and make it easier to focus on the positive.
5. Surround yourself with positive people
The people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our thoughts and emotions. If you find yourself among negative people who bring you down, try to distance yourself from them and surround yourself with positive, uplifting people instead.
Join a Bible study group, volunteer at your church, or seek Christian friendships that encourage and support you.
6. Self-care practices
Taking care of our physical and emotional needs is essential in getting rid of negative thoughts. Self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that bring us joy can help us feel better physically and emotionally. When we feel good, we are less likely to dwell on negative thoughts and emotions.
As Christians, we need to add another dimension to self-care—spiritual self-care. Feeding our spirit improves our total well-being. When we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our human spirit, we will be transformed. In this transformation process, our negative thoughts will also change into positive ones—Godly ones.
A fun way to engage in scriptural self-care is with Christian coloring pages with Bible verses. Coloring relaxes our bodies and minds, while we can focus on the meaning of the scriptures and so revive our spirit and soul.
7. Letting go of control and let God
Sometimes negative thoughts and emotions arise when we feel like we are not in control of a situation. Learning to let go and let God can help us overcome these feelings. Trusting that everything is happening for a reason and that we are being guided toward our highest good can provide a sense of peace and comfort that can help us overcome negative thoughts and emotions.
God is in control of our lives. Why worry about anything?
8. Pray for strength and guidance
Finally, remember to pray for strength and guidance as you work to get rid of negative thoughts. God is always with you, and He wants to help you through difficult times. Pray for His guidance and strength to overcome negative thoughts, and trust that He will provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed.
In conclusion, overcoming negative thoughts as a Christian takes time and effort, but it is possible. With these eight spiritual tools and the help of God, you can overcome negative thoughts and live a more positive, fulfilling life.
Prayer to get rid of negative thoughts
It is important to pray when trying to get rid of negative thoughts. Prayer is a formidable spiritual weapon. Prayer will enable you to experience God’s peace. And His peace will guard your heart and mind. It is that protection you need around your thoughts.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Example prayer to overcome negative thoughts
Lord, I am yours. My spirit, soul, and body belong to You. I am grateful for whom You made me. You gave me my mind and body, and I am going to take good care of it.
I struggle with negative thoughts. Please help me to get rid of them spiritually, as I know I am more than a body. Holy Spirit, revive my spirit and renew my thoughts. I want to think positive thoughts, godly thoughts.
I have tried so much to get rid of the negativity in my mind, but it seemed to be fruitless. But I am going to trust You. I will launch out in the deep. I will let go of my desire to control and I am going to let You. Because Your plans for me are good. I can trust You.
Thank You for making me beautiful and capable. I am Your masterpiece. Help me surround myself with positive people and let go of negativity around me. When doubt raises its voice in my head, I will turn to Your Word and affirm Your goodness over my life.
Thank You, Lord, for protecting my thoughts. I am grateful. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.