When I was looking for a picture for my post I found it from this site.manchesteranxietyhelp.co.uk/cognitive it is also about Ants: Automactic Negative Thoughts.
DAY 1 :
We all have Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS) that we need to recognize and deconstruct in order to change our thinking. We can ask 5 simple questions to hold EVERY. THOUGHT. ACCOUNTABLE.
Questions:
Ephesians 6:10-20 NIV : Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
DAY 2:
- Is this thought true?
- Is this thought absolutely true?
- How does this thought make me feel?
- How would I feel if I didn’t think this?
- What has God said about this thought?
Questions:
- What is one A.N.T. that you can identify in your thinking right now?
- Take that thought through the 5 questions above.What changed about that thought after reading what God said about it.
John 16:33 KJV : These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Ephesians 6:10-20 NIV : Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
DAY 2:
There are a few types of A.N.T.s that we must decide to confront (and remove). “Only the Negative” mindset zooms in only on the negative and is the only option.
The “ALWAYS.ONLY. NEVER.” mindset which focuses on the “you always…, you only…, you never…” kind of thoughts, also causes us to swing from extreme to extreme.
“Catastrophe” A.N.T.s make us think circumstances are WAY WORSE than they actually are and focuses attention on the hypotheticals that rarely become reality.
All three of these A.N.T.s rob us of our balance, our contentment, and make us feel like challenges are insurmountable. There is good news! We can have peace of mind and renewed thinking by employing the 5 questions that help us to interrogate our thoughts.
The “ALWAYS.ONLY. NEVER.” mindset which focuses on the “you always…, you only…, you never…” kind of thoughts, also causes us to swing from extreme to extreme.
“Catastrophe” A.N.T.s make us think circumstances are WAY WORSE than they actually are and focuses attention on the hypotheticals that rarely become reality.
All three of these A.N.T.s rob us of our balance, our contentment, and make us feel like challenges are insurmountable. There is good news! We can have peace of mind and renewed thinking by employing the 5 questions that help us to interrogate our thoughts.
We can ask 5 simple questions to hold EVERY. THOUGHT. ACCOUNTABLE.
- Is this thought true?
- Is this thought absolutely true?
- How does this thought make me feel?
- How would I feel if I didn’t think this?
- What has God said about this thought?
Questions:
- Which of these patterns do you see on a regular basis?
- Take a moment and identify your default negative thought, then measure it against the 5 questions.
- How did this process change that thought for you? How can you build this practice into your daily rhythm?
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV : And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
John 8:32 KJV : And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 17:17 KJV: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
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