The Power of Negative Thinking

Roger Johnson writes:

I remember that back in the 1970s, many Christians were reading Norman Vincent Peale’s book “The Power of Positive Thinking”. Vincent Peale claimed to be a Christian but some critics suggested his book was strong on motivational psychology but weak on theology. However, there was a real need in those days to find something positive to say and think about life. There were many books written about spiritual depression and it seemed as though some Christians were struggling to cope.

I don’t think the situation has changed much since then and it may even have got worse as we square up to the realities of life with global warming, the credit crunch and many other depressing issues in the world. But do we realise what a powerful and crippling force is contained within our minds when we are beset by negative thinking?

It is not only Christians who suffer from negative thinking. A whole church fellowship can adopt a negative disposition, especially when numbers are declining to the extent that the fellowship is no longer viable. But is the remedy simply to adopt a new positive mindset or is that too simplistic an approach?

The New Testament has much to say about positive thinking. Jesus made some incredible claims in Mark 11:23,24 when he said

"Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

We may not have too much experience of mountains cast into the sea and therefore may conclude that Jesus was speaking metaphorically. But the notion that the answer to prayer is there for the taking as long as negative thoughts don’t creep in is quite stunning. It does help, however to read the next few verses because Jesus goes on to talk about the need for forgiveness. Undoubtedly, a spirit of un-forgiveness, resentment or bitterness can cripple our souls and lead us to negative thinking.

St. Paul takes up the same theme in his letter to the Philippians. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil 4:8). He then goes on to conclude that “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13)

I believe we need to sit down quietly from time to time and analyse whether our thinking has become negative and, if so, why that is. Let’s look at the challenges which are ahead of us and ask ourselves whether we fear them or relish them – can we see the mountains standing in the way or do we see opportunities waiting to be grasped?