Negative thought patterns.
Obsessing. Ruminating. Black and white thinking. “Reading” someone else’s mind. Predicting the future. Jumping to conclusions. Catastrophizing. In our busy lives we easily develop negative thinking patterns, unawares. When unchecked they become ruts, traps, even strongholds. Hence, the ability to catch automatic negative thoughts is a life transforming skill.
Luther’s thoughts were re-structured: the rest is (Reformation) history.
On the basis of what Martin Luther himself tells us, he suffered from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and major depressive disorder. His distorted thoughts (resulting in rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness, numbness and nausea) resulted in years of physical, mental and spiritual agony. His suffering ended when he took captive one single thought: ‘the righteous shall live by faith’. (Rom. 1:17). Luther became a new man and over time God used him to change negative thought patterns of millions of people.
Our life is what our thoughts make it.
God designed us to know our thoughts, to examine them and to keep or discard them. The significance of this ability cannot be over-emphasized. Research confirms that most mental and physical illness (anxiety, depression, fear, addiction) are results from toxic thought patterns.
Think of a single thought as a piece of mental real estate. Just like a well-kept neighborhood increases the curb-side appeal of your own property, balanced, realistic thoughts control the brain’s activity, with positive results, joy… peace… patience… kindness… gentleness… goodness… self-control… faithfulness… love
Here’s a thought experiment:
First, dwell on this realistic thought for 5 minutes: “I can learn to control my negative, runaway thoughts.”
Next, ask yourself: Do I notice any positive change in my thoughts, mood, emotion or behavior?
Scripture Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy serves to connect the dots between situations, core beliefs, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
Heres Snijder, B. Ed., MA, RCC
Contract Counsellor, CCCA