Chances are you’ve heard this advice before, but if you’re like me, sometimes you need to hear it again…and again…and again, until that moment that it strikes you a different way. Then you need to remind yourself about it and build it into your daily routine through habits and positive reinforcement.
The advice? Stop thinking negative thoughts.
Studies have shown that ending negative thinking has better physical health outcomes than focusing only on more positive thinking.
Beyond the secular studies and research, there are Biblical examples of why ending negative thinking is both beneficial and a hallmark of the Christian life.
Renewing the Mind
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform 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.
Negative thinking often comes from our worldly perspectives, but God calls us instead to renew our mind. We are to do this so we can understand what God’s will is for our lives, and His will is good, pleasing and perfect.
Taking Thoughts Captive
2 Corinthians 10:5 – “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.”
The concept of taking our thoughts captive means that there isn’t an excuse for our negativity in our thought life. We make excuses all the time, like “I can’t help what I think,” or “this is just how I am,” but the truth is that we are called to demolish our worldly instincts, and instead focus on the Truth of Christ.
Focusing on What is Good
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”
In order to banish negative thoughts from our minds, we are encouraged to practice habitually replacing those thoughts with good things from God.
We have a rule in our house that whenever someone complains about something, such as the food we’re eating for dinner, or how bright the sun is (yes…that is an actual complaint), we need to say something for which we are grateful. Every time we turn complaining into thankfulness, we are practicing Philippians 4:8.
Trusting God over Fear and Anxiety
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
What is there to fear if God is by our side? No matter what happens in this life, we know that good wins out and when we have given our lives to Christ, we will spend eternity with Him. It may be painful now, but our pain is temporary. We may make mistakes, but our lives are being consecrated to the Lord.
Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Worry and anxiety are different than planning and preparing, and Jesus during the sermon on the mount encourages us to not get caught up in worry. It takes us out of the present time, and the only way we can actually improve our circumstances is through action, and action can only happen in the present.
Replacing Lies with Truth
John 8:31-32 – “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
When we follow Jesus and we are in relationship with Him, the truth is revealed to us through His word. The truth will set us free, and we can replace the lies that the devil spreads. Satan is referred to as the “father of lies,” and he uses negativity and negative thoughts in our lives to keep us from the truth of forgiveness in Christ.
Casting Burdens on God
1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God desires to take on our burdens, cares, and anxiety. One of the best ways I’ve discovered to stop negative thoughts in their tracks are to turn them over to the Lord in prayer. Thank Him for the blessings you have in your life, and list those blessings by name. Carry a list of blessings you have received, and add to it every time you notice something new.
We know in this life we will have trouble (John 16:33), and that trouble doesn’t need to become our baggage. If we allow it space in our lives it will begin to take over. Squish those negative thoughts the moment they try to gain ground in your mind.
Avoid the “5 C’s”
It may be difficult to know when negativity is creeping into your thoughts, and it is important to understand what constitutes negativity. The 5 C’s can help provide a framework for spotting negativity in your thoughts. While not specifically Biblical in origin, there are Biblical applications of each.
Complaining
➡ Biblical Warning: Complaining is often linked to a lack of trust in God. The Israelites’ constant complaints in the wilderness led to serious consequences.
Philippians 2:14-15 – “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Complaining is different from asking for advice or seeking wise counsel to help with struggles in your life. Complaining stems from a negative attitude that doesn’t seek to solve a problem but just spread negativity and commiserate with others. In many ways it is akin to gossip, and is unhealthy. Complaining doesn’t lead to feeling better, and even though you may justify it as “getting something off your chest,” it doesn’t actually work.
I can understand when there are times that something is bothering you so greatly that complaining seems to be the only thing you want to do. In those moments, take your concerns to the Lord in prayer, and seek to remember His blessings in your life.
A key aspect of complaining is that it doesn’t help you take action to address the underlying issue or complaint, it merely serves to spread your negativity to others.
✅ Biblical Solution: Replace complaints with gratitude.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Criticizing
➡ Biblical Warning: A critical spirit often stems from pride or self-righteousness. While correction can be necessary, destructive criticism is discouraged.
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Matthew 7:1-3 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged… Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
Criticism in general is judgmental and focused on finding fault, which is why when someone wants to be positive they will say “constructive criticism.” When we provide correction and feedback to a brother or sister in Christ, we should also bring to them the positive ways we see the Lord working in their lives.
If our words are only critical and don’t serve to build up the person, they likely flow from negativity into our own hearts.
✅ Biblical Solution: Speak truth in love and encourage others.
- Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Concern
➡ Biblical Warning: Concern itself isn’t wrong, but excessive worry shows a lack of faith in God’s control.
- Matthew 6:25-27 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
- 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
✅ Biblical Solution: Turn concern into prayer and trust God’s provision.
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Commiserating
➡ Biblical Warning: Seeking support and advice is healthy, but dwelling in self-pity or negativity can reinforce a victim mindset instead of trusting in God’s strength.
- Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
- Job 2:11-13 – Job’s friends initially offered comfort, but later their words fueled negativity rather than pointing him to God.
Commiserating may seem like a healthy response to complaining, but it is potentially allowing someone to dwell in their negativity. Commiserating can easily turn into gossip as well, and it can quickly feed into a negative thought pattern for all those involved.
Instead, when you hear someone complain, you may want to redirect it in a positive direction. Depending on the person and relationship you have with them, you have some options:
- A child or friend: Ask them to share something positive about the situation or their life now.
- A friend or coworker: Ask them if there is a way you can help or support them in their struggles.
- Random person on the bus: Ignoring it is always an option, especially if the person is already hostile. Simply speaking something kind or doing something thoughtful may help break the negativity.
If there is someone who needs someone to listen and help them process a struggle, anxiety, or otherwise negative aspect of their life, that is something you can do if you are prepared. Being prepared means that you have the ability and practice to encourage them to focus on the things they can control, such as their thoughts, actions, attitude, and beliefs, and give the rest to God.
✅ Biblical Solution: Encourage and build each other up rather than dwell in mutual discouragement.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.”
Catastrophizing
➡ Biblical Warning: Expecting the worst and dwelling on worst-case scenarios can paralyze faith and lead to fear-driven decisions.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
It is a popular belief to say that if you expect the worst, then nothing will ever disappoint you. While this runs in close parallel to Biblical concepts (John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12), catastrophizing tends to dwell on the uncontrollable parts of those worst case scenarios and is based in fear.
Expect for in this life to have troubles, but hope for, and dwell on, the purpose we are called to, and that God’s sovereignty means this life and it’s trials are only temporary.
✅ Biblical Solution: Replace fear with trust in God’s sovereignty.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Conclusion
We become like the people we surround ourselves with, so if you find yourself surrounded by negativity, complaining, criticism, and catastophizing, then you will have a tendency to fall into the same pattern. Break that pattern by intentionally speaking positivity and encouragement to replace the negativity.
There are times for critique and correction, in fact this article is designed to be almost entirely a critique of negativity. You can tell that you have approached someone with a mindset of helpful critique and correction when you are balancing your correction with positive encouragement. Delivering correction should be followed up with consistent checking in and supporting the person, which shows love and care.