Negativity is more common than ever, even among believers. Trends, science, fiction and social media are fuelling our minds with negative thoughts. Many become afraid of sicknesses and diseases because they heard it’s in their DNA. Inflation trends cause pain and fear of the future, and many other disasters are happening worldwide.

We can become fearful and find it challenging to overcome all the negativities we see on social media. Many young people are afraid of marriage because of the things they read on social media. Do not let social media or anyone influence your thoughts. You are a citizen of heaven. That is your identity; therefore, let your thoughts align with your identity.

Examples of People Who Had Negative Thoughts In The Bible

The Bible provides examples of people who struggled with negativity; it reflects that you are not alone. Here are biblical characters who struggled with negative thoughts:

1. Jonah (Jonah 1-4)

Jonah was a prophet whom God loved. God sent him to the city of Nineveh to preach repentance and inform them of the coming wrath of God. He was reluctant; he had negative thoughts and never wanted the people of Nineveh to find repentance. Instead of trusting God’s plan, Jonah attempted to flee in the opposite direction. He forgot that he could not run away from God, who sees everything and everyone.

Jonah eventually went to Nineveh to deliver the Lord’s message to them. Even after fulfilling his task and witnessing the repentance of the Ninevites, Jonah remained bitter and resentful, expressing a desire for their destruction rather than rejoicing in their salvation .

His negativity and resentment overshadowed the love a prophet has when people repent and turn to God. I believe he probably exhibited the trait in other areas of his life. The story of Jonah came to life when I watched an episode of the superbook. I realised that if we don’t tame unforgiveness, it spreads the poison of negativity into other areas of our lives.

2. Job’s Friends (Job 2:11-13, Job 4-31)

When I read the book of Job, I was amazed by the words spoken by his friends. It felt like all they were saying was, “I told you so”, “you think you’re too righteous, see yourself now”. I often think they were happy to see him suffering to prove a point. They serve as examples of constant negativity through their misguided attempts to explain Job’s suffering. Instead of providing comfort and support, they accused Job of wrongdoing. They insisted that his suffering was a result of his sins.

The negative attitude of his friends contributed to Job’s distress and worsened his sense of isolation. Little wonder God asked them to apologise to Job. I learnt from the story that we shouldn’t be quick to judge when people are going through a difficult phase; we should instead pray for them and provide comfort.

3. Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18).

Elijah was a mighty prophet feared by kings and the nation. Despite being a mighty prophet of God, Elijah experienced constant negativity, particularly when he felt overwhelmed and discouraged. After his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled into the wilderness, so miserable that he was the only faithful servant left and begging God to take his life

Prophet Elijah just demonstrated how powerful God is; he called down fire and killed all the prophets of Baal. He allowed negative thoughts to overcloud his emotions, and he wished for death. I often think Elijah was probably depressed and tired of running from kings because of his stance for God. He wished death upon himself, and that was the beginning of the end for him.

I learnt that we should not allow our negativity to direct the course of our lives. We should rather speak words of life to ourselves, seek God and use the words of the bible to destroy every thought that exalts itself above God in our hearts.

4. The Twelve Spies (Numbers 13-14)

The story of the twelve spies shows how God reacts to negativity. When the children of Israel wanted to attack the land of Canaan, they sent twelve spies to check the land and see if there was a way to penetrate. The spies went into Canaan and surveyed; they all came back alive but with different reports.

Ten men thought they could not win the battle; in their own words, they said, “We are like ants”. Two men (Caleb and Joshua) thought they would win the war. They defended their words by stating that they believed God had given them the land and they would prevail.

I believe Joshua and Caleb also noticed how frail they looked compared to the Canaanites. Still, their confidence was in the Lord and his word. The words of Caleb and Joshua pleased the Lord; God declared that the other ten who came back with negative reports wouldn’t reach the promised land.

Confessions to Overcome Negativity

I decree my thoughts align with Christ. I think about things that edify and sanctify me. I pull down every stronghold of negativity in my thoughts and mind.

Today, I decree that whatever I lay my hands upon prospers. I am no longer afraid to start that business, job, school or new endeavour. I am not held back by the fear of failure. God has told me that I am the head and never beneath; therefore, my work will prosper.

I receive grace and strength to be resilient and prove to the devil God has got me.

I will not die. I will live long to fulfil the purpose of God for my life. Every seed of negativity concerning my health dies; I receive the strength of God.

I am above only

My thoughts are redeemed by the blood of Jesus. I receive the grace to put my thoughts in control.

From henceforth, life springs from me. I speak words of wisdom and encouragement.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Bible Verses to Overcome Negative Thoughts And Constant Negativity

In the previous article, I highlighted that meditating on the word of God is a way to break down negative thoughts. In this section, I will share scriptures you can confess whenever negative thoughts cross your heart.

1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
4. Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
5. 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.”
6. 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.”
7. 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
8. Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
9. Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
10. Psalm 16:8 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
11. Philippians 2:14 “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
12. Proverbs 15:13 “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”
13. Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
14. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
15. Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
16. Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
17. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
18. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” 
19. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 
20. 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.” 
21. Proverbs 3:56 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 
22. Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” 
23. Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” 
24. Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 
25. Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” 
26. Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” 
27. 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.” 
28. Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 
29. Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 
30. Psalm 23:13 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” 
31. Psalm 3:3 “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” 
32. Psalm 37:56 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” 
33. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 
34. Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” 
35. Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” 
36. Psalm 29:11 “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” 
37. Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” 

Final Thoughts

We must constantly attack negative thoughts with the word of God. I understand these thoughts come from everything around us supporting them. The devil is a master in painting events to look how he wants you to see it. We must be smarter and never allow him to infiltrate our thoughts with negative thoughts.

You can win this battle!