How to kill negative thoughts? How can I overcome negative thinking?

Chronic negative thinking, depression, anxiety, and similar disorders are on the rise all over the world. 

When a Christian’s thinking is primarily negative, anxious, or doubtful, it’s a sign of a serious lack of faith. 

Those who struggle with negative thinking should do the same thing they would do with any other sin—confess it (agree with God that negative thinking is wrong because it reveals a lack of trust) and make every effort to change the behavior.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are  noble, whatever things are  just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are  lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there  is any virtue and if there  is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

“Meditate/Think on these things”– our mind, our thoughts are exceedingly important in the spiritual life. To a large extent they will determine our actions. 

• Believers should have minds made new – Rom 12:2. 

• They should set their thoughts on heavenly things – Col 3:2. 

• They should keep their thoughts on the things of God’s Word. 

• Sinful things, worldly things, evil things are attractive to the sinful nature in us – Gal 5:16-17. 

If we let our thoughts dwell on such things we may be overcome with the desire for them. If our thoughts are always on true, pure, and excellent things we will be better able to reject and subdue sinful desires. 

So we should be very careful what we read, what things we watch, what kind of music we listen to, where we allow our imaginations to take us. If we fill our minds with things unworthy for believers in Christ we may soon be living lives unworthy of Christ.

• Prayer is a key part of overcoming negativity. Jesus taught that prayer should include praise to the Father and a focus on His holiness (Matthew 6:9; see also Psalm 95:2). As we pray “with thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6), we focus on the blessings we have received and leave no room for negative thoughts. The Holy Spirit will be faithful to help the repentant believer overcome negative thinking (Matthew 7:7–11).

• Daily Bible reading, particularly studies that focus on the promises of God, are of great help in overcoming negative thinking. It’s helpful to remember that, no matter how dismal the present circumstances, Christians have been promised God’s love and victory in Christ (Romans 8:37–39; 2 Corinthians 2:14).

Christians must think about what they’re thinking about and not allow their minds to have free rein. In our spiritual warfare, we’ve been given the helmet of salvation—spiritual armor for the mind.