The Power of Positive Thinking: 4 Biblical Ways to Reframe Negative Thoughts

Countless times throughout the day, we fill our minds with negative thoughts without even realizing it. If we’re not careful, they can take control of our emotions and our self-image. It’s easy to feel discouraged by our current situations or a lack of contentment with where we’re at in life.

How can we take captive these negative thoughts and replace them with Biblical truth?

Remember, Your Worth Comes From God

One of the most common struggles women face is feeling inadequate. Whether we compare ourselves to those around us or do not feel like we measure up to the task ahead of us, we can often feel like we’re lacking. “I’m not strong enough,” “I’m not organized enough,” “I’m not talented enough,” etc. The list goes on.

Before you go too far down that road, let me remind you of this simple yet profound truth: You are made in the image of God. Let that sink in. God created you in his likeness. He intricately designed you and formed you in the womb, exactly as you’re supposed to be, with the personality, strengths, and weaknesses you have. He created you, and your value lies in him alone.

When you don’t have the strength you need, when you feel like you are lacking in any area, God will sustain you. It is his spirit living in you, and that is more than enough.

Truth to Meditate on in Feelings of Inadequacy:

“For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” Psalm 139:13-14, NIV.

Find Purpose in Everyday Moments

Sometimes, our days can feel repetitive as women, moms, or humans in general. It can seem like we’re on a never-ending race to nowhere. Our lives may not always be exciting or filled with new adventures, but we can find joy and gratitude in each day.

When we get too comfortable in our lives, we begin to take things for granted. We tend to complain about the little things that we don’t think hold much value, the daily tasks that are never truly done, because there’s always more coming, such as laundry and dishes.

This is where perspective plays a huge role.

There are so many people in this world who would give anything to have a predictable day: to know there’s going to be food on the table, clean clothes to wear, a comfy bed to sleep in, or a family to care for.

This isn’t to make you feel guilty but rather to remind you not to take these “little things” for granted. The daily tasks of motherhood can be thankless and monotonous, but God sees us. He sees us serving our families day in and day out. When we find joy in our roles and care for our families with grateful hearts, he is glorified.

Truth to Reflect on When Discontentment Seeps In

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” Colossians 3:23, NIV.

Bring Your Overwhelm to God in Prayer

“I’m Overwhelmed. There’s No Way I Can Keep Up.”

This runs through my head constantly. Anyone else? It seems like there are always too many things I need to get done and not enough time in the day.

God calls us to be hard workers, but he doesn’t call us to be constantly busy. He also reminds us to rest and to come to him when we are overwhelmed.

We can lay our burdens at his feet and pray that he will help us prioritize the work he wants us to do and teach us to let some of the little unnecessary things go.

Truth to Remember When Feeling Defeated

“Cast your cares on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” Psalm 55:22, NIV.

Trust God’s Sovereignty in Uncertainty

“I Have no control over my life.”

“I can’t see how this will turn out.”

“I can’t change the outcome as hard as I try.”

“I feel helpless!”

There’s not much worse than the unknown. Many of us hate the feeling of being out of control. We like to see what’s ahead and be able to prepare properly for it.

Unfortunately, life isn’t usually like that. There are situations that we have no control over that hit us out of nowhere and feel scary and overwhelming. These are times when all we can do is cling to Jesus and trust that He has a plan.

The good news is He does. He’s in complete control, and nothing that’s happening is a surprise to Him.

The unknown can be frightening, but that is where faith comes in.

Truth to Dwell on When Feeling Helpless:

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV.

Eternal Perspective

Next time you are tempted to think negatively about yourself or your life, ask yourself, “What does God think about this?” or “What does the Bible say?”

As Christians, we have to constantly be on guard to ward off the lies that the enemy tries to fill our heads with. The best way to do that is to replace them with Biblical truth.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV.