The Power of Positive Thinking Faith
The Power of Positive Many Christians roll their eyes when they hear the phrase “positive thinking.” They associate it with mind-over-matter, or manifestation mumbo-jumbo. They think it has nothing to do with Christianity.
But did you know that The Power of Positive Thinking was not the original title for Norman Vincent Peale’s classic bestseller? Peale wanted to call it The Power of Positive Faith, but the publisher nixed that because they thought it would limit the book’s marketability.
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (KJV). The NIV translates this as “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” And Proverbs 23:7a says, “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” It would seem from these verses that faith and positive thinking go hand in hand.
It is no secret that having a positive outlook on life can lead to increased productivity and a better quality of life. Research has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of positive thinking in helping to reduce stress, boost overall happiness, and facilitate better decision-making. Positive thinking can also be a powerful tool for achieving personal and professional goals.
It is also a fact that faith has been found to be one of the most effective strategies for dealing with life’s struggles and uncertainties. By combining faith in a loving God with a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook, people have been able to effectively cope with incredibly challenging situations and difficult emotions.
But what is positive thinking? And how can we develop it? Positive thinking is a mental process that essentially involves looking at things and events through a lens of optimism and hope. This doesn’t mean that you need to only see the good side of everything or take everything as a blessing. Instead, it involves examining circumstances with an objective eye, taking into account all the pros (rather than just the cons), and remaining hopeful even in adverse circumstances. You could say that positive thinking is approaching life with faith!
How To Develop Positive Thinking
Positive thinking is important because it helps you to see the good and the positive in people, events, and situations. It also helps mobilize and empower you as a person. It helps you put your faith into action.
But how do we develop positive thinking (or positive faith, if you prefer)?
The first step is being mindful of your thoughts. What goes through your mind on a daily basis? Are your thoughts rooted in truth, or are they based on lies and false self-limiting beliefs? Is your self-talk positive or negative? Be aware of what fills your mind.
Another way to develop positive thinking is by surrounding yourself with people who are living their faith. Mama was right when she said, “Be careful who your friends are.” These are the people who speak into your live on a regular basis. Make sure the words you’re hearing are positive and faith-filled, words that are building you up rather than tearing you down.
Centering your life on your identity in Christ will also help you to have the proper mindset. You need to know what your loving Creator says about you. Renew your mind with the Word of God. This is the best way to improve your self-image, by seeing yourself as God sees you. As you build your faith in God, your own self confidence and self-esteem will also grow. You are made in His image and have the power of the Holy Spirit within you. That certainty will put a positive spin on your thought life.
Benefits Of A Positive Mindset
- Increases self-confidence
A strong sense of self-confidence will help you to stay motivated and stand up for yourself in difficult situations. It can also help to build better relationships and enable you to believe in yourself and your abilities. Self-confidence acknowledges your strengths and skills, increasing your belief that you can accomplish whatever God has called you to do.
- Enables success in reaching goals
Positive thinking propels us forward, while negative thinking holds us back. Having a positive outlook is key to reaching goals, as it can establish a strong work ethic and help individuals stay focused and motivated to take action. When you have a positive attitude and a strong faith in God, you are more likely to take risks and take the steps necessary to reach your goals.
- Provides stress relief
Living in a world filled with stress can be incredibly hard, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be that way. When you take the time to focus on your faith in God, it has a positive effect on your thinking, resulting in reduced stress levels. This can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing anxiety or feeling overwhelmed. Faith helps you to reframe negative thoughts, which will improve your mental and physical health.
- Changes your brain chemistry
Did you know that practicing thankfulness and positive thinking directly affects your brain chemistry? It’s true! Science has shown that by controlling your thoughts, you can affect the release of certain chemicals and neurotransmitters that influence how you feel both physically and mentally.
Focusing on positive things such as thankfulness and faith in God actually accelerates the release of two “feel good” hormones, dopamine and serotonin. These two neurotransmitters are responsible for those fuzzy warm feelings. Yes, there are other ways to get them, like exercise and chocolate, for example. (I choose chocolate– how about you?) Focusing on things that are positive and making a conscious effort to be more grateful actually changes the balances of hormones and neurotransmitters in your body and your brain.
- Decreases anxiety and depression
When you are anxious or scared, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It helps you react fast when you’re about to be hit by a car and make you run faster when you need to get away from someone. But it works against you and robs you of your health and wellbeing when it’s a response to something that isn’t a physical danger, like worrying about taxes or the state of our country.
Stress hormones can lead to weight gain, depression, and anxiety, and they take a toll on your heart. You know you should do what you can to reduce the stress you feel, and as it turns out, one of the most powerful strategies you can take is practicing thankfulness and exercising faith.
So what’s the bottom line? A strong faith in God and a positive mindset are a winning combination. Tap into the power of positive faith so you can enjoy living the transformed life!