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I love a nice and intimate conversation with some of the best girls I know. In March, I had the privilege to fellowship with some wonderful 20-somethings as we gathered for an If:Table session.
I was the old lady with wisdom in the group lol. I knew that these young women would have a few struggles that would be different than mine. But, I was amazed at the faith and confidence issues that they dealt with. It was amazing to me, because I still have lingering questions and doubts when it comes to my faith and even purpose. And, I am in the thirty plus crew.
The topic of conversation that continued to come up was the need to protect our minds or get rid of negative thoughts. These negative thoughts led to questions centered around self-doubt, self-worth and salvation:
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Am I good enough?
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Could God really love me?
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Is anything going to change for me?
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How can I get over my past?
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Is this what God called me to do?
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Am I truly saved?
The reality is many of us battle with negative self-talk, whether it is aloud or just our inner thoughts. Many of those questions I mentioned are unpleasant and don’t line up with the Word of God. Yet, Satan can isolate us and make us feel that we are a lone woman on an island. Then, our self-worth is diminished.
I know that I am in a constant battle with those things that I feel led to do and whispers that tell me otherwise. It was one of the reasons that I really started my Bible Year challenge. I greatly desire to calm the many “feelings” and thoughts that trip us up as believers and women.
So, I wanted to get the words of wisdom from a few Christian women, who could help encourage us. You noticed I said us because I also need to be edified.
Verses For Negative Thoughts and Tips from Top Christian Bloggers
So, I was elated when five top Christian bloggers lent their time and expertise on the subject. So, I must give a special thanks to Shannon Guerin, Justine Mfulama, Patsy Burnette, Shanique Brown and Deb Wolf. These women are doing honorable work for the Lord online through their blogs. On Pinterest alone, they reach a combined 5 MILLION viewers a month. That’s right – 5,000,000!! These women of God are making a difference and sowing seeds of faith.
You will find the tips and strategies from these dynamic women below. Each woman of faith shares personal insight, resources and some of their favorite verses that help them fight the battle with the “mind games” or negative thoughts the Devil throws.
If you struggle with self-doubt and are your own worst critic, then keep reading. And later, download the scripture writing plan to help you with Satan’s attack on your mind. This resource includes 30 scriptures to help you fight the good fight.
Shannon Geurin, Fiercely His
Shannon is the lady behind the Fiercely His Challenge. It is a movement that is helping other women see their value as true daughters of the King.
This is dear to her heart because Shannon said she once couldn’t get past the shame of past mistakes. “It caused my self-worth to plummet. The reason for this is because I had lost my identity in Christ. I didn’t know who I was or whose I was.”
Shannon reminded me that we have to be careful that we don’t get caught up or overtaken by our everyday roles as wives, mothers, professional or friend. “When we know WHO and WHOSE we are in Christ, it changes everything,” Shannon said.
So once, this woman of faith decided to really dig in the word of God and draw closer to him, she saw things begin to turn around. Shannon suggests to check any negative thought against Philippians 4:8 NIV, which reads,
Shannon reiterates that we all must also put on the whole armor of God. “We MUST wear our armor DAILY. DAILY! We have to recognize that the enemy is real, Shannon writes. “He [Satan] hates us, and is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). The devil hates us, hates our families, and hates everything we stand for. SO we fight by wearing our armor daily and by fighting back with the truth of God’s word, just like Jesus did when he was being tempted by the devil!”
You may want to check out Shannon’s Self Worth Challenge to help you combat anxious thoughts and start you on the path and embracing your identity in Christ.
Tip #1: Put on the Whole Armor of God,
Tip #2: Seek Your Identity from Christ
Reference Scriptures: Philippians 4:8, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:10-17, Luke 4:1-13
Justine Mfulama, Justine Mfulama Blog
Justine Mfulama has been blogging since 2017. Her purpose for this site is to help women attract and maintain a godly relationship, by teaching self-love, mastery of the mind and confidence.
So, this Christian blogger knows that the mind is the most powerful tool we have to change our lives. Justine believes this is why Satan attempts to plague our mind constantly. “By infiltrating our mind with self-doubt, the enemy tries to distract us from our God-given purpose and jeopardize our calling,” she writes.
As a Christian blogger, Justine says that she has dealt with self-doubt when it comes to her writing, but she constantly reminds herself who, our faithful God has destined her to be. “I overcome these [negative] thoughts by reminding myself that God has appointed me to my role and that he is the one that gives me authority.
Justine provided me with a great litmus test to help discern tricks of the enemy. “The best way to discern thoughts is by asking one question. Is that a thought out of fear or out of faith? If the thought is out of fear you know that it’s not from God”, she adds.
Justine uses this key verse as a source of strength to overcome negative thoughts.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7, New King James Version)
She also suggests reading Luke 8:43-48 for any woman struggling with negativity and in need of strong faith. It is one of her favorite scriptures. Justine provides two important lessons from this passage: “our faith is what saves us and that all we need to do is to hold on to Christ.”
For additional, words of wisdom from Justine, check out what she has to say on Trusting God here.
Tip #3: Create Reminders of Who You Really Are
Tip #4: Fact Check Your Thoughts Against the Word of God
Reference Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:7, Luke 8:43-48
Patsy Burnette, InstaEncouragements
Patsy Burnette is the blogger behind InstaEncouragements. Their mission is to build a worldwide online community of encouragers, who in turn, encourage others in the faith of Jesus Christ.
Patsy has a great post on her blog titled “B-17 and the Tremendous Cost of Living in the Past.” She writes holding on to regret and not moving on can keep us in bondage to negative thoughts.
“The past, living there requires a tremendous cost. There are the “What ifs?” that plague our minds. The “wishing I’d done this and not that.” Satan loves for us to go there. He likes it when we camp out there, set up shop there, build a residence there. It’s one of the simplest tools in his toolbox to distract us from the good in the present.” —Patsy Burnette, InstaEncouragements
PPatsy said that women should rely on biblical discernment and truth to help fight against the mind games that devil plays. She further emphasized that women of faith must know their source of identity and peace.
“Know where you identity and peace come from. My identity comes from what God says I am, and the peace that He gives is not as the world gives. It’s a perfect peace, a peace that can be found in no other, a peace that is not understood by non-Christians.
Patsy also recommended 2 Timothy 1:7 (Make sure you bookmark that one!) as a way to combat the distractions and negativity Satan throws at us.
Tip #5: Don’t Live in the Past
Tip #6: Seek the Peace of God
Reference Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27
Shanique Brown, Rock Solid Faith
Shanique Brown is doing a phenomenal job with her blog Rock Solid Faith. Her passion is supporting and providing resources for the young Christian adult.
When I asked her how to deal with the mind games of the enemy, she instantly shared that negative self-talk and thoughts were things that she dealt with as well. Shanique revealed how negative thoughts and feelings affected her at young age.
“Growing up, I have always had negative thoughts about speaking in public. Feelings of inadequacy would take over, as I thought about the possibility of forgetting my lines and totally making a fool of myself.
Although Shanique had a great support system, she attributed her breakthrough from negative thoughts to utilizing scripture.
“I believe that we are a product of of our environment. So, if we are saturating ourselves with lots of beauty magazines of women looking a certain way [for example] this will likely define how we view beauty and ourselves. The more we saturate our minds with the word of God, the more we will be able to speak God’s words negating the lies which Satan tries to get us to believe.”
Shanique suggests not only to know the word of God, but to also memorize scripture to fight the tricks of the Enemy as quickly as possible. There are numerous Bible verses that can help you address negative thoughts and negative words
And, If you are feeling insecure in any area of your life, Shanique provides advice on how you can start believing God’s truth. You can check out her blog post here.
Tip #7: Read His Word (The Holy Bible) Often
Tip #8: Memorize and Quote the Promises of God
Reference Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:20, Psalms 139:14; Jeremiah 29:11
Deb Wolf, Counting My Blessings
I am thankful for Deb Wolf for providing input to this post. She is the driving force behind the blog Counting My Blessings. When I asked Deb how she overcame the mind games of the enemy, she immediately let me know that it is a constant battle for godly women.
Deb wrote, “I don’t think I will ever overcome this struggle {negative self-talk} and I’m guessing that’s true for most of us.”
As a mother, grandmother and pastor’s wife, Deb said that Satan goes after women of God due to our caring nature and essential role in the family.
“Women tend to have higher emotional quotients. We’re typically more sensitive and in tune with other people’s feelings and for that reason we are more easily affected by the things Satan uses to tear us down.”
Deb also said this can have an effect on our family members as well. We also set the tone for our families. If he [Satan] can keep us discouraged it touches our whole family. That’s a pretty big payoff for his efforts.”
But, Deb stresses the important to not let the enemy’s trick leave us at discouragement or with negative emotions. Instead, her solution is take our cares to our Heavenly Father as quickly as possible the next time toxic thoughts and hurtful words try to overtake us.
“When I feel myself slipping into negative self-talk, I’ve learned to take those thoughts to the Lord.” And the more quickly I do that the easier the battle. When I remember that I am a child of the God of the universe … well, everything else simply pales in comparison.
-Deb Wolf, Counting My Blessings
Deb agreed with the other post contributors that the important thing is to know God’s word in dealing with evil thoughts.
“The only way to discern whether or not our thoughts are from God is to know His Word. Godly thoughts will ALWAYS line up with Scripture. The truth of God’s Word leads us to know how much we need a relationship with Christ Jesus. It leads us to confess and repent of our faults and flaws, trust His Word of forgiveness and saving grace, ask for His Holy Spirit to help us obey in the future, and then rest in His love knowing He will give us peace, joy, hope, strength, courage, and everything else when we need it.”
Deb is currently studying the Book of Romans and recommends it for all, who want to embrace God’s grace. Deb also has a fabulous post —”When You Need to Be Sure God Loves You”.
Tip #9: Don’t Be Discouraged because you are not alone
Tip #10: Pray – Take it to the Lord
Reference Scriptures: Book of Romans, James 1:2-3
Verses for Negative Thoughts!: A Scripture Writing Plan
I must thank these five lovely ladies again for taking the time to help a fellow sister in Christ. I hope that you can utilize the tips that these Christian bloggers, especially if you struggle with negative thinking. I know that I was uplifted when I realized that I wasn’t alone in this. We all could use reminders every now and then.
There were a lot of common themes that our bloggers shared including seeking our identity from Christ and knowing His Word. So, I have included a Scripture Writing Plan for you to try. Please feel free to download the original version or the 2.0 plan.
If you are ready to take your fight against negative thoughts and self-talk to the next level, check out my 10 day devotional Mind Games. It includes a daily encouraging word, scripture cards, and affirmations to help you combat negative thoughts and self-talk.
By His Saving Grace,
Shannon
Verses About Your Mind And Negative Thoughts
Verses For Negative Thoughts
If you are looking for more inspirational posts, check this out.
Shannon, Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this post. I loved reading through everyone’s thoughts and powerful tips. Thanks again and many blessings!
I was truly honored to have you a part of this conversation!
This is just beautifully put together Shannon! Thank you so much. Pinned. Tweeted. Shared. Scheduled with Tailwind. 🙂
Thanks again for contributing. Great words of wisdom!
Negative thoughts and self doubt, I struggle with these as well. Thank you for sharing these 10 tips.
Leigha,
I appreciate you taking the time to read this post. I think that I am amazed by how many women struggle with this, no matter what stage of life that we are in. But, most of the women I know are super awesome and have a great calling on our lives. I pray that we gain more strength to fight the Devil’s tactics, so we can fulfill our purpose. Be blessed!