Stopping Negative Thought Patterns

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Stopping Negative Thought Patterns

1 Chronicles 28:9 - “The Lord…understands every motive behind the thoughts.”

“I often worry my family and boss will be disappointed and angry with me,” admitted a busy and well-liked woman. “I do everything possible to control their responses and reactions. I get so anxious I want to run away, but I’m driven to stay around and repeat the process. How can I change?”

Like my friend, I’ve often felt like I’m on this merry-go-round. I’ve learned a helpful exercise called ‘thought stopping and substitution.’ First I try to identify the stress-producing thought. For example: “My boss will be angry because I didn’t get everything done. That would be terrible. There must something wrong with me.” Next, I imagine the anticipated scene. I let myself feel the negative emotions it causes — knot in the stomach, sweaty palms, nauseated sensation.

Then, I interrupt the destructive thought and substitute it with a new one. Perhaps: “My value does not depend on my boss’s opinion or mood. I finished all I could. I’m not a terrible person.”

Learning to break the vicious cycle perpetuated by negative thought patterns is like developing a new habit. It takes time. Be patient with yourself.

God Lord, you understand me. Help me identify and change the destructive thoughts that rob my peace.

Joan C. Webb