Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join James, a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life's biggest questions and helps us find God's solutions to life's struggles. Learn the power of living by God's grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
UD - Day 3 - Breaking Negative Thought Patterns
ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
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This is the third day in our devotional series Understanding Depression. The scripture that we will be considering today is Romans, chapter 12, verse 2. Depression often brings with it cascades of negative thoughts. These thoughts can become like lenses through which we see ourselves, see others and even God. They might say I'm not enough, nothing will ever change, or that God has abandoned me, left unchecked. These patterns of thinking can lead us deeper into despair.
Speaker 1:The Bible offers a powerful solution the renewal of our minds. Romans 12, verse 2 instructs us do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal. Renewing the mind involves a conscious choice to replace lies with truth. This process is not merely about positive thinking, but it is about aligning our thoughts with God's word. When depression whispers hopelessness, scripture speaks hope. When despair tells us that we are alone, god reminds us that he will never leave us or forsake us. Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 5.
Speaker 1:The transformation of our minds requires us to meditate on God's promises and allow His truth to reshape our internal dialogue. A practical step in this renewal process is the practice of a T-chart method On the left-hand side, write down the negative thoughts and on the right-hand side, counter it with specific promises from God's Word, for example, if you feel like I am worthless. For example, if you feel like I am worthless, right alongside it I am God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Ephesians 2.10. This exercise not only helps us break the cycle of negativity, but it also strengthens our mind to stand firm against future attacks of despair. As you are consistently renewing your mind, the Holy Spirit will empower you to think and to act and to live according to God's truth, bringing healing in your heart.
Speaker 1:Now here's the action step Create a T-chart, draw a line down the middle of the page and a line across the top. On the left-hand side we're going to put all the negative thoughts and on the right-hand side, let's find scripture that we can meditate on. That challenge those thoughts that we're believing, meditate on God's truth and let it renew your mind. Well, let's pray. Father, thank you for the power of your word to transform my mind, and it is through Jesus Christ. I pray that you would help me to break free of these negative thought patterns and, by your Holy Spirit, renew my mind and fill it with your truth. In Jesus' matchless name, we pray Amen. So now we're going to seek to overcome depression with hope, because depression can feel like a dark night and an endless tunnel, but God's word shines a light of hope and healing.
Speaker 1:This devotional series will guide you through scripture to find comfort, encouragement and practical steps towards overcoming depression. Through the biblical truth and the power of God's promises, you can break free from despair and embrace the renewed sense of purpose and joy. Discover more of this devotional series and other resources to help you grow in your faith and experience God's peace at my website, jameslongjrorg that's jameslongjrorg. And for deeper support and community, consider joining our Lessons for Life monthly membership or our group coaching program. You're not alone. There's hope for healing through God's great promises. We look forward to talking to you next time. Be blessed.
