The New Bible Cure for Depression & Anxiety by Md Don Colbert Read Free Book Online Page A

retains it while allowing anything good to slip away. He often focuses on his or others’ weaknesses and forgets about strengths, making him likely to be very critical of himself and other people.
    No one in this world is perfect; neither is anyone competent at everything. But people who dwell on their incompetencies, shortcomings, or mistakes may fall into a pit of hopelessness. That’s why I call this thought pattern “pit thinking.” It is commonly associated with depression. If you are a “pit thinker,” you probably overgeneralize, taking one unpleasant circumstance and believing that it represents a trend of how your life will proceed. You probably use the words always and never . You think, “I will always be like this.” “I will never change.” Realize that words such as always and never are absolute words, setting you up for the belief that you cannot change.
    If this sounds like something you struggle with, I challenge you to enjoy the next compliment you receive. There is nothing prideful about graciously accepting praise or a compliment when rightfully given. Not only will this reduce anxiety, but it will also add richness to your life. Years ago I heard a pastor say, “Remember your victories and successes, but forget your failures and shortcomings.”
    Confession from God’s Word
    I repent of this negative thought pattern. I now boldly confess Isaiah 61:3. He gives me the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. I take off the old garment of a negative mental filter, and I put on the new garment of praise and thanksgiving.
    I choose only positive thoughts according to Philippines 4:8, which says to think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. God has changed my filter to a positive filter. He brought me out of a horrible pit and has put a new song in my mouth of praise and thanksgiving to God. While the late night news is true, honest, and just, rarely is it pure, lovely, a good report, virtuous, or praiseworthy. I will filter all thoughts, media, TV shows, movies, and even my words through all the criteria of Philippians 4:8. If anything falls short of every criterion, I refuse to watch it, think it, or speak it out of my mouth.
    9. Emotional reasoning
    A person with this distortional thought pattern treats her feelings as facts. If she feels depressed or anxious, she believes that something bad is going to happen to her. If she feels incompetent, then she thinks she must be doing a lousy job. If she feels rejected by others, then she believes she must be worthless. If she feels hopeless about taking an exam, she might not even show up to take it. She struggles with the temptation to give up because her emotions make her feel defeated.
    The healthy thinker separates her emotions from her overall self-worth. She can separate current feelings from future events. She realizes that in spite of how she is feeling, she can change the outcome of her situation by confessing, believing, and meditating on God’s promises, and expecting His will to come to pass in any situation.
    Realize that negative feelings are a sign that you are thinking negative, depressing thoughts. You need to immediately tune in to the thoughts or beliefs that are at the root of the emotion and simply change the channel of your mind to the gratitude channel.
    Confession from God’s Word
    I will not be influenced by my emotions or feelings, because the just shall live by faith (Heb. 10:38) and it is impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11:6). I will be steadfast because the truth of my situation is based on what God says , not on what I feel . In Galatians 6:9 Paul said, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (KJV). I will hold fast to the confession of my hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. I believe the promises God has made concerning me, and I refuse to allow my emotions to control