The Temptation to Think Negative Thoughts

Is it really just a temptation? This could be a controversial discussion. Sometimes the feelings of negativity roll in like a flood, drowning our courage, blotting out the sun, cutting off our oxygen, or so it seems. Are we ever forced to think negative thoughts or are they just presented to us? Ok, so some deal with PTSD, and some depression or a combination of both. Whither a person has PTSD, which is a very real problem, or not, they both have to work to maintain healthy thinking patterns. The suffering one just has to work harder and it will take time. Our minds like our physical bodies get tired and need rest and healing.

All of us have a choice whither or not to let negative thoughts rule our lives. It may not be easy, as sometimes circumstances affect us which are beyond our control. In these times it may take a lot of effort on our part to return to a healthy thinking pattern.

We have so much to live for, and so many promises from God, why would we struggle with negativity?  Evidently the people of the Bible understood our tendency or they would not have written about it.

 Philippians 4:7-8 KJV 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Feel free to post Bible verses which have helped you with this challenge.