Devotional: There are four common categories of toxic thoughts. These are negative, fearful, discontented, and critical. Chances are you are struggling with toxic thoughts in one or more of these four ways. Don't let these toxic thoughts grab hold of you and consume you. The deeper you let them take root inside you, the harder they will be to shake off. Identify those thoughts and reject them today.
Response By: Doug Giffin
When I think of the categories of toxic thoughts (negative, fearful, discontented and critical) I realize how deep some of them are rooted in how I think. I think the old saying has something about turning a jaundiced eye toward a situation and I realize that these four, like the horsemen, are a nasty bunch. If I let them in and then worse, let them remain, they have the capability to turn everything I look upon to garbage. I probably struggle most with discontented thoughts but they’re all sort of intertwined. The process goes something like this:
I look at my life with a discontented eye and I am critical
of so many things (note the focus on things).
I have negative thoughts about the things in my life that have led me to
this point, people, fate, situations, my own shortcomings and I am upset about
it. The longer I keep these thoughts in
me and brood over them the more fearful I become that I am powerless to change
and so I become defeated. In my defeat I
am disappointed and discontented about myself and so the cycle goes.
The thing is; how do I break the cycle? Even though I know where this path leads, at times I seem unable to avoid it. What I need are tools to use when I start thinking that way and I think I couldn’t start anywhere better than the Bible.
Something to talk about: Which types of toxic thoughts do you experience most often? What are some examples of your toxic thoughts?
The thing is; how do I break the cycle? Even though I know where this path leads, at times I seem unable to avoid it. What I need are tools to use when I start thinking that way and I think I couldn’t start anywhere better than the Bible.
Something to talk about: Which types of toxic thoughts do you experience most often? What are some examples of your toxic thoughts?
Looking @ the four common categories of toxic thoughts being negative, fearful, discontented, and critical. My struggle of toxic thoughts entails all of them. I have a negative outlook on life because of my childhood. I am fearful of the unknown because of issues with abandonment. I have discontentment due to lack of trust. I am critical of all I due because of fear with being a failure. I have a bright side to this. Finding Water's Edge Church and Pastor Craig has brought me a greater understanding that God is most important in life and he will bring me through all things; therefore I feel my toxic thoughts will become less as I get closer to God and understand more about his word....
ReplyDeleteI guess my comments revolve around what I posted on day one. All of my toxic thoughts revolve around negativity toward myself. I feel that everything toxic in my life I have brought on myself by my poor / toxic decision making skills. Thanks to pastor Craig and his sermons, I have realized this. With his backing I'm able to speak with people that have gone down this road. This, I feel, will help me stay on the right path.
ReplyDeleteI need explanation on the types of toxic thoughts
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I was looking for as well. For a clearer understanding.
DeleteThat's exactly what I was looking for as well. For a clearer understanding.
DeleteThat's exactly what I was looking for as well. For a clearer understanding.
Delete