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In Hope

Negative Thinking

Monday June 26, 2017

What we think about has a powerful impact on what we do.  Thought usually precedes action.  If our thoughts are flawed, then our actions will miss the mark.  One of the great spiritual dangers, for people in recovery, is “stinking thinking.”  One false thought we often believe is that God, or others, cannot or will not help us.  When we think that way, we tend to allow ourselves to be dominated by fear – fear of the past, fear of guilt, fear of embarrassment, fear of loneliness, fear of being hurt.  Our flawed thinking is controlling us, causing harm, and making us vulnerable to relapse.


God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”  (Hebrews 13:5b-6 NIV)

When we think that God cannot, or will not help us, we leave ourselves open to negative actions.  When we are too afraid to do what is good, we end up experiencing emptiness. Too often we choose addictive habits to fill the gap.  When we assume we have to take care of ourselves, we get tired, we fall short, and we get hurt.   In our frustration, we lash out at others. We blame them for our circumstances. We vent our fears and angry thoughts on whoever is closest to us.  Then we end up experiencing discouragement, loneliness, and increased pain from the angry conflicts.



The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life.  (Psalm 121:5-7 NIV)

God invites us to the peace and security of living in the truth that He truly does care for us.  Our part is to acknowledge God's truth to ourselves, and then allow our actions to follow in obedience.  As we do that, we come to experience all the peace and security God has promised us. 



Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I confess my thoughts are sometimes negative and cause me to fear.  Please set me free from stinking thinking and help me to uphold the truth of Your word.  I am forever grateful that You care for me.  AMEN

©2017 Partners in Hope  
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

Audio for Negative Thinking

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