Reframing your negative thoughts takes practice, it takes time, and it takes knowing the truth of scripture and what God says about you, others, and the world.
- Identify the Lie: Recognize the negative thought/belief you’re holding onto.
- Find a Scripture: Search for a Bible verse that counters the lie. Push back on the lie with biblical truth.
- Rewrite in Your Own Words: Paraphrase the scripture in your own way.
- Memorize the Scripture: Commit the paraphrased verse and scripture reference to memory.
- Repeat Regularly: Recite until you know it.
Let’s practice below.
About Yourself:
Negative Thought: I’m worthless because I keep making mistakes.
Biblical Reframe: God’s love for me is not based on my performance. Despite my mistakes, I am valued and forgiven through His grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Negative Thought: I’m a failure because I can’t handle stress.
Biblical Reframe: In times of weakness, God’s power is made perfect in my weaknesses. I can trust in His strength to carry me through challenges. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Negative Thought: I’m undeserving of happiness because of past mistakes.
Biblical Reframe: God never stops offering me forgiveness no matter how many times I fail him. God loves me more than I can imagine. (1 John 1:9)
About Others:
Negative Thought: People always let me down; I can’t trust anyone.
Biblical Reframe: Though people may fail me, God’s faithfulness endures forever. I can trust in His unfailing love and find refuge in Him. (Psalm 136:1)
Negative Thought: Nobody cares about me; I’m all alone.
Biblical Reframe: God promises to never leave me or to forsake me. He surrounds me with His love and the support of a community of believers. (Hebrews 13:5)
Negative Thought: Others are so much luckier than me; I never catch a break.
Biblical Reframe: God’s timing is perfect, and He has a plan for my life. I can trust in His provision and rejoice in His blessings for others. (Jeremiah 29:11)
About the World:
Negative Thought: The world is a dangerous place; I’ll never be safe.
Biblical Reframe: The world is sometimes dangerous. Sometimes it’s wonderful. God is my rock and my fortress, my deliverer and my refuge. In Him, I find true security and peace.”(Psalm 18:2)
Negative Thought: I can’t trust anyone because the world is full of deceitful people.
Biblical Reframe: There are plenty of honest people in the world. God is truth, and His word is trustworthy (Psalm 33:4). I can rely on His guidance and discernment in navigating the world around me.
Negative Thought: The world is going to hell; there’s no hope for the future.
Biblical Reframe: God’s kingdom is all around me. I am walking according to his plan for my life. God’s kingdom is eternal, and His reign will never end. I can find hope and assurance in His promises for the future. (Daniel 2:44)
Struggling with anxiety? Listen to more messages from The Anxiety Cure series here.
