Having Negative Thoughts (Full Version)

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norajm -> Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 6:46:30 PM)

I hope I'm not considered crazy but I have a question. Has anyone experienced negative thoughts and if so what do you do to control/stop them.

Sometimes negative thoughts just pop in my head often. I do not verbalize them but I wish they would stop popping up. Example: I had to have an endoscopy at the hospital and my next thought was you know they're going to find a lot of things wrong. Whatever I'm doing negative thoughts just pop into my head. I will see someone doing something and think that idiot or someone should smack him.

As I stated, I don't verbalize them and I instantly rebuke the thoughts. I would like to understand why things like that pop in my head. I hope you all do not think I'm crazy but I would appreaciate any point of view.



earthless -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 6:52:25 PM)

Why the fear in verbalizing them?

We live in a fallen world and in sinful flesh, you're going to have negative thoughts, emotions, experiences, etc..



truthrevealed -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 6:53:50 PM)

I'll bet you've had worse things than that pop into your head. Why? because MOST of those thoughts are from satan but it seems like your own "voice" so you think it's you (and he wants you to think it's you so that you will feel condemned, guilty and think something is really wrong with you). The nature of our flesh has a "mind" of it's own as well and many things will pop into your mind based upon your feelings, senses etc.

The best thing to do is compare what you hear to God's word, take captive those thoughts that are NOT from God and think about something else...don't meditate on anything NOT from God.



earthless -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 6:59:35 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: truthrevealed

The best thing to do is compare what you hear to God's word, take captive those thoughts that are NOT from God and think about something else...don't meditate on anything NOT from God.


Do you go through life and the world blindfolded?

How can you even talk to a non-believer if you can't have anything but Ned Flander'esque thoughts?

What about Christians that work in jobs that have them dealing with the worst of the worst? With horrific incidents and criminals?



Anamchara -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 7:02:16 PM)

Negative thoughts...just what the devil would like you to believe! When the word of God promises good to you, promises to prosper you. Lets just pray about it..

Heavenly father, I lift this poster up to you today. Lord help them to put their trust in you, that reguardless of what this test shows you have promised goodness in their life. There is nothing that can happen to us that will catch you off guard, you know what tomorrow brings for them. You know the very decisions we will make, the paths that we will take, the trials tomorrow bring us. Lord today, I trust that you will provide where provision is needed, you will give this individual the peace and comfort that your Holy Spirit grants us. Thanks for being our friend today and having our best interest in mind. Amen



earthless -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 7:09:46 PM)

Some people are too fast with the "blame Satan for everything" card.



ladyichigo -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 7:28:51 PM)

Yes, I frequently have negative thoughts run through my head. Thoughts like tripping people when they cut in front of me, and laugh "Ha-Hah!" (like Nelson from the Simpsons), or pushing someone out of an over-filled elevator after they have squeeeeeeeezed themselves in even though they know it's full, or close the elevators doors on them before they get in between the doors...(and I've actually have closed the doors a couple of times. [8|])

Yeah, as Christians we are to be the light of the world, and so we shouldn't be so cynical (but we are because of various factors). We should put on the full armor of God and go out and be living examples of Christ, and practice meekness.

I wonder if Jesus Christ ever had thoughts like, "What a fool! I should hit him with a bolt of lightening!" ??? I mean He could have...but didn't.....[8|][8|][8|]



rcjames -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 8:04:09 PM)

Script;ure is pretty plain about what to do with negative thoughts as well as all other thoughts;

(2Co 10:5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Thanks
RC



truthrevealed -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 9:10:38 PM)

Uh, earthless, what are you talking about? this person is an unbeliever? I didn't know that but.....O-KAY! Wherever you're coming from take it to the next block mister man. Consider yourself blocked because you came off MOST unneccesarily buddy!!!



Liveloved -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 9:12:36 PM)

quote:

I hope I'm not considered crazy but I have a question. Has anyone experienced negative thoughts and if so what do you do to control/stop them.

Sometimes negative thoughts just pop in my head often. I do not verbalize them but I wish they would stop popping up. Example: I had to have an endoscopy at the hospital and my next thought was you know they're going to find a lot of things wrong. Whatever I'm doing negative thoughts just pop into my head. I will see someone doing something and think that idiot or someone should smack him.

As I stated, I don't verbalize them and I instantly rebuke the thoughts. I would like to understand why things like that pop in my head. I hope you all do not think I'm crazy but I would appreaciate any point of view.


You're not crazy. You're perfectly normal---just as God tells us. We are sinners. And that includes negative thoughts. So say "thank You, Lord, for showing me my negative thoughts!" The fact that you can identify them as negative and as NOT what you want to or should think is terrific. That's the first step. RCJames gave the scripture that talks about casting down these thoughts. So don't believe the thoughts. Just put them in their place. Cast them down. And lift up godly thoughts. Sounds like you are already doing this. Just continue and eventually they will become fewer and fewer.

You ask why? I would guess that your 'bent' is toward melancholy or seeing the glass half empty or is it half full? (I'm getting tired.) That makes you more disposed to negative thoughts. But that's no excuse. It's just saying that you may have more negative thoughts to deal with than someone who was born with a more optimistic, positive outlook. So thank the Lord that you see them and cast them down. That's what saying 'no' to the flesh is all about. Bless you! [:)]LL



makarizo -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 10:31:40 PM)

quote:

why things like that pop in my head.


the battle of self.... These can spring up from just about anywhere, but usually have to do with a sense of right/wrong, justice not mercy, self-indulged morality, warped sense of fairness/ unfairness, personal rights, discontentment, anger, bottled up emotion that needs to be handed over to God.

Mat 15:17 "Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated?
Mat 15:18 "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.
Mat 15:19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.

I have prayer time in the morning, do morning devotionals, put on the full armor so I am prepared for the day,
and I listen to good music so that my head is filled up with words of praise and worship.



TheBibleTRUTH -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 11:02:03 PM)

Until we go to heaven, negative thoughts are a part of our being because we are sinful and weak. But it's not a big deal, in fact Christ did have negative thoughts!

Hebrews 4:15
15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

If he was tempted in ALL points, he must have had negative thoughts. Having negative thoughts is not a sin.. it's what you do with them that matters.

-----

The mind is just your organ of mental perception. What you think in your mind is based on what you see or perceive with your five sense (carnal) flesh. For instance, if I watch a war movie, I might think about going next door and blowing something up. Or perhaps going outside and killing a bunch of people. This isn't really what I believe in my heart though, it's just a passing thought or idea.

What really matters is your heart, and luckily for us that's what God looks on.

1 Samuel 16:7
7) But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

God only looks at your heart and does not focus on your weak flesh.

Proverbs 27:19
19) As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

What this is talking about is that if you look over water you can see your reflections and you can see your face. So when you compare it, it's talking about how your heart is a reflection of who you are as a person.

Romans 10:10
10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The heart is where all your primary believing takes place. As long as you filter what comes into your heart by the word of God, you will be strong.


Whenever a negative thought comes into my mind, I simply ask my Father, "Why am I having these thoughts?" I always want to be honest with God about what comes into my mind so that he can help me get over negative thoughts that are troubling me.

Hope that helped you,


God bless you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ



trixie123 -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/21/2008 11:47:50 PM)

TheBibleTruth said it perfectly, God bless!



Child4Jesus -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 12:19:46 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: truthrevealed
The best thing to do is compare what you hear to God's word, take captive those thoughts that are NOT from God and think about something else...don't meditate on anything NOT from God.


quote:

ORIGINAL: earthless
Do you go through life and the world blindfolded?

How can you even talk to a non-believer if you can't have anything but Ned Flander'esque thoughts?

What about Christians that work in jobs that have them dealing with the worst of the worst? With horrific incidents and criminals?


I'm a police officer and I know what you mean dude.



Thessa -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 12:23:47 AM)

I agree totally. I asked my former pastor about this and he said the exact same thing you just said. He said negative thoughts (really negative) are from Satan and to just pray when you experience them. He is right. They are from Satan. Only God gives good thoughts.

quote:

ORIGINAL: truthrevealed

I'll bet you've had worse things than that pop into your head. Why? because MOST of those thoughts are from satan but it seems like your own "voice" so you think it's you (and he wants you to think it's you so that you will feel condemned, guilty and think something is really wrong with you). The nature of our flesh has a "mind" of it's own as well and many things will pop into your mind based upon your feelings, senses etc.

The best thing to do is compare what you hear to God's word, take captive those thoughts that are NOT from God and think about something else...don't meditate on anything NOT from God.



earthless -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 8:20:57 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: truthrevealed

Uh, earthless, what are you talking about? this person is an unbeliever? I didn't know that but.....O-KAY! Wherever you're coming from take it to the next block mister man. Consider yourself blocked because you came off MOST unneccesarily buddy!!!


So you just had several negative thoughts about me right there. Isn't that ironic?

I simply asked several questions which pertain to the real world. Are people saying we're not to ever have any negative thoughts or bad ideas come into our mind? What do we do with Christians who do not live in a bubble?

Yesterday I had to view the video of a 44 year old man that raped a three year old girl. The daughter of his girl friend - the monster video taped it and our sister agency arrested him.

So like one of my questions yesterday asked - what do Christians do when they have to deal with the worst of our society if some are saying that they should never have any negative thoughts into their mind?

It is normal (because we live in a fallen world, because we have not yet received our glorified bodies) to have negative thoughts, etc.. Is it right to act on them? No.

But to believe we are never to have them or fear verbalizing them is superstition and nonsensical.



norajm -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 12:25:21 PM)

ORIGINAL: Earthless

quote:

Why the fear in verbalizing them?


quote:

But to believe we are never to have them or fear verbalizing them is superstition and nonsensical.


I would like to thank everyone for their responses, they were very helpful.
EARTHLESS: I do not verbalize them because in some cases it would be rude. It has nothing to do with superstition or anything like that.

I am also a christian.

I understand your question regarding how to deal with people that are not Christians that do insane things. A lot of things does seem to be christian based and I have often asked the question, What if this person is an Atheist? The Bible can't be used or quoted to them to live by because they don't believe in it but there are also "Christians" that can quote the Bible from cover to cover but choose to commit heinous crimes as well.

Thank you to everyone that responded and supplied me with new verses and knowledge.



Dancre -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 1:52:06 PM)

God's word says:

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 cor 10:5. in otherwords, as truth just said:

quote:

I'll bet you've had worse things than that pop into your head. Why? because MOST of those thoughts are from satan but it seems like your own "voice" so you think it's you (and he wants you to think it's you so that you will feel condemned, guilty and think something is really wrong with you). The nature of our flesh has a "mind" of it's own as well and many things will pop into your mind based upon your feelings, senses etc.

The best thing to do is compare what you hear to God's word, take captive those thoughts that are NOT from God and think about something else...don't meditate on anything NOT from God.


That's biblical!! Notice truth said MOST thoughts . . . Go by what the Word says, not by what the WORLD says. Folks say neg thoughts come from the flesh. Not all the time. God's word says in Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Also it says in 1 Peter 5:8-10 Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

It also says: Phil 4:8Finally, brothers, 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.

also Romans 8:5-6 says:
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[a] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

God's word DOES tell us that some negative thoughts DO come from the devil. TAke your thoughts captive, as the Word says. Match them up to God's word. Set your mind on what God wants, not what you want and not what your flesh wants.

Romans 12:2 says: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. You MUST renew your mind with God's word. Then you'll be able to control those negative thoughts. :) Some negative thoughts are from the flesh, some are from the devil. In either case, use the word against them. Take both sets captive.


quote:

ORIGINAL: norajm

I hope I'm not considered crazy but I have a question. Has anyone experienced negative thoughts and if so what do you do to control/stop them.

Sometimes negative thoughts just pop in my head often. I do not verbalize them but I wish they would stop popping up. Example: I had to have an endoscopy at the hospital and my next thought was you know they're going to find a lot of things wrong. Whatever I'm doing negative thoughts just pop into my head. I will see someone doing something and think that idiot or someone should smack him.

As I stated, I don't verbalize them and I instantly rebuke the thoughts. I would like to understand why things like that pop in my head. I hope you all do not think I'm crazy but I would appreaciate any point of view.



Dancre -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 2:18:24 PM)

It's good, norajam, that you don't veralize those thoughts. They'll only bring you down which is why Paul told us to dwell on what is pure, etc. Dwell on God's things as He has He has told us to do in His word. It will help. Renewing your mind and concentrating on God's word isn't Superstition or Nonsensical. It's Biblical.

Edit: You have to remember, Norajm, that Jesus said, in John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. In other worlds, Jesus was saying He belonged to God, not the world. God doesn't work as the world works. The world says, everyone has negative thoughts, it's part of life, get over it. But God says, we are to take those thoughts captive, think on what is pure, etc, etc. To be a true christian means you do things God's way, not the world's way. And the way you find out God's way is through His word, period. Capise?


quote:

ORIGINAL: norajm

ORIGINAL: Earthless

quote:

Why the fear in verbalizing them?


quote:

But to believe we are never to have them or fear verbalizing them is superstition and nonsensical.


I would like to thank everyone for their responses, they were very helpful.
EARTHLESS: I do not verbalize them because in some cases it would be rude. It has nothing to do with superstition or anything like that.

I am also a christian.

I understand your question regarding how to deal with people that are not Christians that do insane things. A lot of things does seem to be christian based and I have often asked the question, What if this person is an Atheist? The Bible can't be used or quoted to them to live by because they don't believe in it but there are also "Christians" that can quote the Bible from cover to cover but choose to commit heinous crimes as well.

Thank you to everyone that responded and supplied me with new verses and knowledge.



Little_1 -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 2:54:59 PM)

We all have negative thoughts but having these thoughts are not wrong in themselves unless we dwell upon them or act upon them. The longer we allow ourselves to listen to negative thoughts and mull them over in our minds, the more likely we are to be affected by them / and or act upon them negatively and so as RC has already mentioned in the text he quoted:

(2 Cor 10:5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ......

Have you tried praising God when such happens? When you are praising God, you cannot entertain thoughts which disturb you at the same time.



earthless -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 3:42:42 PM)

And so far no one that advocates that we're supposed to have only happy thoughts has addressed my simple questions. [&:]



ladyichigo -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 5:07:55 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: earthless


Do you go through life and the world blindfolded?

How can you even talk to a non-believer if you can't have anything but Ned Flander'esque thoughts?

What about Christians that work in jobs that have them dealing with the worst of the worst? With horrific incidents and criminals?


I don't think I was advocating "only happy thoughts", BUT I just wanted to give my answers to earth's questions [;)]

1. I don't go through life and the world blindfolded. Sometimes I wish I was blindfolded so that I don't see all the negative stuff that goes on in the world and I could just be ignorantly happy.

2. (The answer to this question is a continuation of the answer from 1). But, how can I effectively witness Christ to them if I don't have a clue to what's going on outside my happy happy joy joy, Hi Diddley Ho Neighbor bubble? Turning a blind eye to the negative aspect of life and never experiencing the negative aspects of life, I would not understand another person's suffering, not be able to show compassion, and go about my day thinking everything is allllll rainbows and butterflies, annoying every person I come in contact with.

3. I'm not in law enforcement, but that doesn't make me oblivious to the fact that there are thousands and thousands of folks out there who have done very heinous things with other people's lives. If I were to ONLY think of happy thoughts about them, how am I to protect my children and loved ones from those kinds of people? Example: Let's say there is a fugitive rapist on the loose in my neighborhood. The police have alerted the folks living in the area and we have seen a picture of the felon with a detailed description. Do I just tell my kids, "Oh what a nice looking person on that photo! That person is pictured so nice, I'm sure we'll all be safe without locking our doors and keeping our windows open at night!" Or maybe I should tell my kids that, "That person on that picture is dangerous. That person has done very terrible things and we need to be very careful because that person is running around in our neighborhood. That person can hurt us very badly. Let's pray that God will protect us and that this person will be caught soon."



Walker311 -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 7:19:33 PM)

quote:

I would like to understand why things like that pop in my head.


I think that a certain percent of this can be blamed on genes.

However, a majority of the struggle with negative thinking is caused by what I call stinking thinking.

I've had enough popcorn thoughts that should have sent me straight to hell millions of times but then the Holy Spirit got a hold on me and taught me that I CAN control these unsolicited thoughts by retraining where I allow my thoughts to reside.

If your thoughtlife is constantly negative and you find that there is a constant struggle to prevent them then you have a HEART problem.

If we abide in Him then He will abide in us. If we seek Him then we will find Him. If we keep our minds stayed on Him then He will keep us in perfect peace... and on and on it goes.

We have the power and might through the Holy Spirit to delete stinking thinking. Do it and have abundant life through Christ Jesus.



TNBoy1041 -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/22/2008 11:33:51 PM)

You also have to take into factor that if we allow sin into our lives that we know should not be there, God does have to chasten us and bring us back to Him and into His will. Perhaps sometimes He uses our thoughts and our mentality to point us in the right direction? Not saying you are doing this because we all have a sin nature that therefore leads us to all have negative thoughts, but the more sin we allow into our lives the more we are subjecting to Satan instead of God, thus it becomes easier for him to throw in more of the negative thoughts. I hope that makes sense.

The best thing to do is not become weighted down and do not ponder in your heart about the negative thoughts, just let them go. The more you worry about them, the worse you will feel about yourself (thus another goal of Satan), and that could lead to even worse problems. It's never good to worry so just let go and let God handle your problems.

I like the verse in the Bible..."Resist the devil and he shall flee from you." Don't know if I got that completely right, but we can see that the opposite is also true, if we do not resist the devil, he will come onto us even more. It's best to just not listen to him and trust and praise God and He will help you.



TheBibleTRUTH -> RE: Having Negative Thoughts (8/23/2008 12:22:38 AM)

Philippians 4:8

8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.




I just wanted to add that because of our sin nature and the world we live in, there will ALWAYS be something to be negative about. But, it's exceedingly more important that you keep your mind stayed on the things of God that are honest, just, pure, lovely, etc...


God bless you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ.



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