As someone who has struggled with an anxiety disorder, I often find myself spiraling into a frenzy because I allow one negative thought to lead to another, and another, and another . . . next thing I know, I am emotionally (and physically) exhausted from my thoughts.
It’s amazing how changing the way you think can change the way you feel and act. When we get into negative cycles of thinking, we begin to listen to lies about who we are, what we are capable of, and how we should live.
Jesus said to his followers, “Come to me, all who are weary…and I will give you rest.” We find rest from our weary minds when we focus on what is true. Most of our anxiety comes from thoughts that aren’t even real! Think about that! How many times have you been anxious about something that never happened or maybe never will happen?
In Philippians 4:8 (NLT), Paul writes: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Craig Groeschel wrote a great piece on renewing our minds with positive affirmations on both a personal level and as a child of God. Reminding ourselves of truth is a great way to start escaping negative thought cycles and literally rewire our brains.
What are the negative thought patterns that hold you back? What are the Biblical affirmations that you need to remind yourself of truth and slow down the anxiety?
Want some help renewing your mind? Check out this list of Biblical Affirmations from Craig Groeschel!
