I have spent the majority of my adult life depressed. Now this is not to say that I have walked through life aimlessly with no direction, no happiness or joy, and appeared miserable to the world. But I have done all of those things more than I’d like to admit. I, like most women, have had many thoughts running rampant in my brain, that lead to all sorts of different feelings, which finally affect my emotions. This mix of thoughts, feelings, and emotions are what lead to the things in my life that I consider disastrous.
I have this wonderful skill of making up stories in my mind of why everyone else is the way they are, why they say the things they say, even why they act the way they act. It somehow always involves me being at the root of the problem. If someone lacks compassion or seems aloof to my feeling’s, then there must really be something wrong with me. If someone is short with me, then I must just be a horrible person that no one cares about. Lastly, if someone doesn’t do the things that I wanted them to do, then they must not really love me after all. Sound familiar? This is when a good friend of mine would say, “It’s not all about you!”
Well, I am learning that these are just thoughts, they do not determine truth, but truth should determine our thoughts. The bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ (New International Version). Take those negative thoughts and do not let them affect how you feel. Jesus does not want us to spend our time thinking negatively about ourselves. The Lord created us exactly how he wanted us to be. Wouldn’t it be sinful to say he didn’t do a good enough job just because WE think there is something wrong with us?
It is a process for sure, to change the cycle of negative thinking, so start small. Think of just one or two thoughts that you have that seem to creep into your mind when you’re feeling down, stressed, or insecure. Just one or two thoughts, that is all, and think of a bible verse to counter those thoughts. Write it on a notecard or a message on your phone to refer to whenever you need a reminder. What would you say to your friend, daughter, or sister if she had that same thought? Chances are you would tell her that she’s being ridiculous and it is just not true. That she’s perfect just the way she is and that you love her. Start saying those things to yourself.
We’re going to kick those negative thoughts to the curb together (even if there is only one of you reading this). It is possible to be free from those things that overwhelm our minds and we can create new habits to help us to succeed and thrive on God’s word. I’m praying for you all.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you will come together with all those women out there, including me, that allow negative thoughts to affect our feelings. Help us to discover your truth and give us the strength we need to stand up to Satan’s lies and say,” those things are just not true.” Remind us daily of the love you have for each and every one of us. Thank you and in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Take some time and look at some of these verses (NIV), they might help you get started….
Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Proverbs 4:23 – Watch over your heart with all diligence. For from it flow the springs of life.
John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Philippians 4:8 – 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.
disastrouslyredeemed 
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