This Is What ChatGPT Said When I Asked How to Combat Negative Thinking (or Stinking Thinking)
Negative thoughts, or "stinking thinking," can creep into all of our lives. They can leave us feeling inadequate, overwhelmed, or stuck. Recently, I asked ChatGPT for advice on how to combat these thoughts, and what came back was a thoughtful, faith-based approach using Bible verses to replace negativity with truth.
Here’s the practical guide we created together to fight stinking thinking:
1. Identify Negative Thoughts
The first step is to recognize the specific thoughts that weigh you down. Maybe you’ve thought, "I’m not good enough," or "I’ll never succeed." These thoughts often feel real, but they aren’t based on truth. By identifying them, you take the first step toward replacing them.
2. Replace Them With God’s Truth
The Bible is full of powerful verses that remind us of who we are in God’s eyes. By countering each negative thought with Scripture, we can reframe our mindset. Here are a few examples:
Negative Thought: "I’m not good enough."
Bible Verse: "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." – Psalm 139:14
Reframed Thought: "God created me with purpose and worth. I am wonderfully made."
Negative Thought: "I’m too old to make a difference."
Bible Verse: "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; He is my Rock.’" – Psalm 92:14-15
Reframed Thought: "I can still bear fruit and make a meaningful impact, no matter my age."
Negative Thought: "I’m overwhelmed and can’t handle this."
Bible Verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28
Reframed Thought: "I can bring my burdens to God and find rest in Him."
3. Use Practical Tools to Internalize the Truth
Once you’ve matched Bible verses to your negative thoughts, use these tools to reinforce them:
Create a Truth Journal: Write down your negative thought in one column and the corresponding Bible verse in another. Reflect on how the verse reframes your mindset.
Use Flashcards: On one side, write the negative thought. On the other, write the verse. Review them regularly to memorize the truth.
Display Key Verses: Place sticky notes with verses on your mirror, computer, or fridge to remind you of God’s promises throughout the day.
4. Pray Over Your Thoughts
Prayer is a powerful way to invite God into your battle with negativity. Here’s an example prayer:
Lord, I feel unworthy today, but I know You created me fearfully and wonderfully. Help me believe that truth and walk in confidence.
5. Reflect on God’s Promises
Here are more Bible verses to encourage you when negative thinking strikes:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." – Philippians 4:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." – Joshua 1:9
6. The Power of God’s Word
What I learned from this exercise is that combating negative thinking isn’t about ignoring it; it’s about replacing lies with truth. These steps don’t instantly fix everything, but they give me tools to fight back against stinking thinking and draw closer to God.
I hope this helps you as much as it’s helping me. Let me know your thoughts or share your favorite Bible verses in the comments—let’s encourage one another to focus on truth and leave stinking thinking behind.