Negative Thinking

 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.”  A 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 embarrassment, fear of loneliness, fear of being hurt.  Our flawed thinking is controlling us, causing us to feel guilty and making us vulnerable to relapse. 

 When we think that God cannot, or will not help us, we leave ourselves open to negative actions.  We are fearful of doing the right thing and end up experiencing emptiness.  Too often we make a choice for addictive habits to fill the gap.  As we assume that everything depends on us, 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 and obediently follow His principles in all our affairs.  As we do, we will come to experience the peace and security that God promises. 

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 for the truth that You lovingly watch over me and will keep me from harm.  Amen

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