Thousands of thoughts pass through our minds every day. However, not every thought that comes to mind is true. Some thoughts begin with wrong judgments, some arise from worry and anxiety, and others lead us toward hatred and sin. We can divide these negative thoughts into three main types.
- Wrong Judgments and Assumptions
Two students were talking in the classroom. They looked at me and laughed. It is a fact that they looked at me and laughed. However, thoughts such as “They must have been talking badly about me” or “They probably think I am stupid” are only assumptions that have not been proven.
Yet our thoughts often do not stop there.
“They must have said bad things about me to their other friends.”
“Now everyone will hate me.”
One assumption produces another until we begin to believe that what we imagined is actually true.
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”
— Proverbs 18:13 (NIV)
Separate what you know to be true from what you are only assuming. If possible, ask the other person what really happened. If you cannot confirm it, do not judge yourself or others based only on past experiences or present feelings.
- Worry and Anxiety About the Future
Before an exam, you may think, “I am going to fail again” or “I cannot do anything well.” But the future has not happened yet, and the result has not been decided.
Jesus said:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
— Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Instead of repeating your worries, do your best with what you need to do today. If you are worried about an exam, study for it. If you have started learning something new, keep practicing instead of giving up. Tell God honestly about everything that worries you.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
— Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Faith does not mean doing nothing and simply waiting for a good result. It means faithfully doing what you should do today, trusting God to help you, and leaving the result in His hands.
- Evil Thoughts That Lead to Hatred and Sin
You may discover that your friends made plans in a group chat without inviting you.
“I will ignore them too.”
“Should I spread stories about them to my other friends?”
When someone hurts us, we may want that person to feel the same pain. We may feel jealous or want revenge.
There is a difference between a wrong thought suddenly entering our mind and choosing to accept it and keep thinking about it. If we continue to hold on to hatred and evil thoughts, they may eventually appear in our words and actions. When you recognize that a thought is wrong, confess it to God and let it go.
Before assuming the worst about someone, consider whether that person may have had a reason you do not know. Try to see the situation from that person’s point of view, and examine whether you also have something to correct or apologize for. This can help you understand the other person and reduce your anger.
However, this does not mean that you must silently endure someone’s wrongdoing. If bullying or exclusion continues, do not face it alone. Tell a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher.
Take Every Thought Captive to Christ
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
— Romans 8:6 (NIV)
“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ means that we do not automatically believe or follow every thought that enters our minds. Instead, we examine our thoughts according to God’s Word.
Check whether your judgments and assumptions are true. When you feel worried or anxious about the future, pray, do your best today, and leave the result to God. Reject thoughts that lead you toward hatred and sin.
If negative thoughts continue for a long time and become too difficult to handle alone, please speak with an adult you trust. This is the path from the darkness of our thoughts into the light of God’s Word.
“God, help me bring my thoughts into obedience to Your Word. Correct my wrong judgments, and help me do my best today instead of worrying. Help me understand others, examine my own faults, and reject thoughts of hatred and evil. Amen.”
