How long can you go without thinking negative thoughts?

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.

Philippians 4:8

Not everyone’s life is perfect.  I think if we are completely honest with ourselves, we can all admit that there are one or a few things that cause negativity in our lives.  It may be a spouse, a child, a situation, an illness, or maybe a friend.   They may be intentional or unintentional but nonetheless they are negative.  Negativity can spread like wildfire unless you get it under control.

When you are faced by a negative person or placed in a negative situation, your first response might not always be to remain calm.  Your first reaction might be one of counter productivity.  You may feel that you need to defend your situation or your side.  You may leave that person or situation and then mull over it in your mind again and  again.  Meanwhile Satan is having a field day because you are allowing him to control your thoughts.

The Bible says to think on things that are pure and lovely.  Negative thinking is NOT pure and lovely.  How hard would it be to go an entire day and never once think a negative thought? Do you think we could train our minds to think only on those things that were going to be helpful to our walk in life?

How could we do that?

Be aware.  The Bible says that our adversary is prowling around watching to see when he can devour someone.  He waits for opportunities to get you further away from God.  He will use situations and people to help pull you away from God’s truths.  He will especially do this as you are diligently seeking the Lord.  He wants to distract you and keep you from pursuing God’s truths. If you are aware of what is going on, you can learn to discern and realize who you are against.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Become an observer instead of a participant.  When you are faced with negative people or situations in your life  look at the whole picture and realize that this is not about you.  Normally when you are faced with negative people whether it be friends, a child, or a spouse most of the time that person is hurting inside and they are trying to deal with their own fears and you may get the brunt of them. Realize that when you are being attacked, it is not about you, it is about them and what they are going through.  Learn to look at the bigger picture and see it for what it really is instead of taking it personally.

 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

2 Corinthians 10:4

Learn who to direct your negativity to.  When you are faced with negative situations in your life instead of going to people and trying to get advice to help “fix” it, do as God says and turn to Him. God wants to help us in our situations so that we can grow in our faith to learn to trust Him more.  When we learn to rely on God, He can do a far better job than we can ever do to help fix our situations.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Are you ready to take this challenge for the day?  Can you go ALL DAY long and not give a second thought to negative thinking?  As soon as it comes up in your day, be aware, realize it is not about you, and give it to God.  Sometimes it is easier said than done. But if we don’t try, we will never get away from dealing with negativity.  Be blessed today as you take a step out and learn to fight against our enemy!