UD - Day 3 - Breaking Negative Thought Patterns

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the third day in our devotional series
Understanding Depression.
The scripture that we will beconsidering today is Romans,
chapter 12, verse 2.
Depression often brings with itcascades of negative thoughts.
These thoughts can become likelenses through which we see
ourselves, see others and evenGod.

(00:21):
They might say I'm not enough,nothing will ever change, or
that God has abandoned me, leftunchecked.
These patterns of thinking canlead us deeper into despair.
The Bible offers a powerfulsolution the renewal of our
minds.
Romans 12, verse 2 instructs usdo not be conformed to this

(00:42):
world, but be transformed by therenewal.
Renewing the mind involves aconscious choice to replace lies
with truth.
This process is not merelyabout positive thinking, but it

(01:03):
is about aligning our thoughtswith God's word.
When depression whispershopelessness, scripture speaks
hope.
When despair tells us that weare alone, god reminds us that
he will never leave us orforsake us.
Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 5.
The transformation of our mindsrequires us to meditate on God's
promises and allow His truth toreshape our internal dialogue.

(01:26):
A practical step in thisrenewal process is the practice
of a T-chart method On theleft-hand side, write down the
negative thoughts and on theright-hand side, counter it with
specific promises from God'sWord, for example, if you feel
like I am worthless.
For example, if you feel like Iam worthless, right alongside
it I am God's workmanship,created in Christ Jesus for good

(01:49):
works.
Ephesians 2.10.
This exercise not only helps usbreak the cycle of negativity,
but it also strengthens our mindto stand firm against future
attacks of despair.
As you are consistentlyrenewing your mind, the Holy
Spirit will empower you to thinkand to act and to live
according to God's truth,bringing healing in your heart.

(02:12):
Now here's the action stepCreate a T-chart, draw a line
down the middle of the page anda line across the top.
On the left-hand side we'regoing to put all the negative
thoughts and on the right-handside, let's find scripture that
we can meditate on.
That challenge those thoughtsthat we're believing, meditate
on God's truth and let it renewyour mind.

(02:32):
Well, let's pray.
Father, thank you for the powerof your word to transform my
mind, and it is through JesusChrist.
I pray that you would help meto break free of these negative
thought patterns and, by yourHoly Spirit, renew my mind and
fill it with your truth.
In Jesus' matchless name, wepray Amen.

(02:53):
So now we're going to seek toovercome depression with hope,
because depression can feel likea dark night and an endless
tunnel, but God's word shines alight of hope and healing.
This devotional series willguide you through scripture to
find comfort, encouragement andpractical steps towards
overcoming depression.
Through the biblical truth andthe power of God's promises, you

(03:16):
can break free from despair andembrace the renewed sense of
purpose and joy.
Discover more of thisdevotional series and other
resources to help you grow inyour faith and experience God's
peace at my website,jameslongjrorg that's
jameslongjrorg.
And for deeper support andcommunity, consider joining our

(03:40):
Lessons for Life monthlymembership or our group coaching
program.
You're not alone.
There's hope for healingthrough God's great promises.
We look forward to talking toyou next time.
Be blessed.