Negative thinking is never a good force in life—but it is a powerful force, often times more powerful than the positive thoughts you call on to combat it. But don't despair! Half of winning a battle is knowing your enemy. Be extra vigilant, knowing that living a life of hope and optimism is not easy…but it is SO worth it!
Throughout the Bible, God urges us to think wisely and positively. "Get wisdom, get understanding," says Proverbs 4:5. That same book tells us that what a person "thinks within himself, so is he" (23:7). In Isaiah 1:18, the Lord pleads, "Come now, and let us reason together." The psalmist prays "that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Jesus told stories that made people think. He urged them to reflect on the marvelous way God feeds the birds and clothes lilies with glorious beauty (Matthew 6:26-29). And when Jesus quoted the Old Testament command to love God with all your heart and soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), he added, "and with all your mind" (Mark 12:30). Paul's second letter to the Corinthians records the apostle's desire to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (10:5).
Philippians 4:8 provides a foolproof strategy to keep your thoughts positive and God-centered: "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."
Sure, negative thinking is powerful. But it can't begin to stand up to the faith-filled joy and hope God wants to give you. Think POSITIVE!
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