God Has Not Forgotten You: When Life Is Turned Upside Downಮಾದರಿ

Defeating Negative Thoughts

In addition to lightweight attire and physical fitness, mental fitness is equally important for an athlete to have a competitive edge. It has been said that if a runner’s head is not in the race, he will not compete well. If he thinks he will lose, he may have already lost the race before it even begins. The phrase, “Don’t beat yourself,” in reference to negative thinking, is popular among athletes of every sport.

The same is true of any challenge we face in life. If we think we will be defeated, there’s a good chance that’s how we will feel…defeated. Sure, it’s normal to feel sorrow, pain, confusion, fear, and uncertainty during such a stressful time. But if you allow these feelings to dominate your thoughts, it can be extremely difficult to overcome, to finish the race victoriously.

You might think, “But this is too difficult to deal with! I’m in a desperate situation. I have no money, no job, and no idea what to do or where to turn. How can I possibly start over?” Or, “I’m not strong enough, and I’m scared. I don’t think I can make it.” Don’t beat yourself! Instead, “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about” (Philippians 4:8 TLB). And whenever a negative thought comes to mind and tries to bring you down, you can defeat it by counteracting it with a promise from God’s Word. Give yourself a competitive edge to triumph over your challenges. Dwell on the positives!

Taking back your life

Practice counteracting negative thoughts with promises from God’s Word. Below are some examples:

• This is too difficult to deal with! You can recite Jeremiah 32:17: “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”
• But I’m in an impossible situation! You can recite Mark 10:27: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’”
• My life has been turned upside down! You can recite Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
• I feel so anxious and stressed out! You can recite Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
• I have no money and no job. You can recite Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
• I have no idea what to do, or where to turn. You can recite Psalm 23:3: “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
• I'm not strong enough to make it through this. You can recite Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
• I’m afraid. You can recite Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• I feel so alone. You can recite Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Or Matthew 28:20: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
• I don’t think I can make it. You can recite Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you [me] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”