How do we stop the stampede of negative thoughts? If left unrestrained, negative thoughts will gallop through our mind, like wild mustangs on the open range. When doubts and anxious thoughts stampede our minds, we can lasso negative thoughts to the truth of God’s Word.
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV)
Lasso Negative Thoughts
Motivational speaker and life coach Zig Ziglar coined the phrase for negative thoughts. Ziglar called it stinkin’ thinkin’. “We all need a daily check-up from the neck up to avoid stinkin’ thinkin’ which ultimately leads to hardening of the attitude.”–Zig Zigler
Wrestle Stinkin’ Thinkin’
If left unattended, stinkin’ thinkin’ thought seeps into the cracks of our minds and are difficult to wrestle. “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalm 13:2)
If stinkin’ thinkin’ has your mind captive, as yourself, “Who Told You That?” This oldie but a goodie article is filled with encouraging scripture and affirmations for dark days.
Good News!
The good news is that God never intended us to keep these thoughts to ourselves. He desires us to surrender our troubling thoughts to Him in prayer. “Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying.” (Psalm 55:2)
In return, God proposes this promise. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God already knows our thoughts before we think them. Psalm 139 illustrates God’s pervasive presence in our life. Verse after verse of this chapter describes God knows our circumstances and our heart. “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar” (Psalm 139:2).
God focus on our mental health. Our Heavenly Father focuses on our mental health. He considers our thoughts (even the troubled and anxious ones) precious. “How precious to me are your thoughts God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm139:17). “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23)
Stop the Stampede
We can stop the stampede of negative thoughts that gallop across our minds. Remember to lasso them captive to Christ with the truth of God’s Word.
Put a cowboy or horse emoji in the comments below if you need to lasso negative thoughts. I’ll go first.🤠
©2021 April Dawn White
Photos courtesy of Clarence Alford, Pixabay and Pieter via Noorden, Unsplash
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