If you want to go on a journey. If you're skeptical, don't worry. Now here to preach. Want to keep it clean and talk to me and recall where faith needs, files of nature and get in touch with your creator with a baking love and jew She even speaks Hebrew.

If you want to go on a journey. If you're skeptical, don't worry. Now here to preach. Want to keep it clean and talk to me and recall where faith needs, files of nature and get in touch with your creator with a baking love and jew She even speaks Hebrew.

What's that, Gonzat?

What's that, Gonzat?

What's that? Well sabosation? You should talking transformation? What's that Gonzato? Hey?

What's that? Well sabosation? You should talking transformation? What's that Gonzato? Hey?

Hey, and welcome back to what's God got to do with it? And we are diving deep into the questions that matter most to you, our listeners, as you walk with God. And so today we're tackling a topic that hits home for so many of us, and it's how do I break free from toxic thoughts? And we all know those thoughts, the ones that creep in uninvited, and they're whispering lies about who we are, and then they sow seeds of doubt and fear and negativity, and they can feel overwhelming and even paralyzing. And the scariest part about them is they feel true. Right. But here's the good news. We don't have to be held captive by them. In fact, Scripture gives us powerful tools to combat and overcome these toxic thought patterns, and so get comfy, and let's dive into this journey of renewing our minds, as the Bible says, and aligning our thoughts with God's truth. And so first it's really important to understand the battle for our minds. And so let's acknowledge something crucial. The mind is a battlefield, and our thoughts have immense power, and they shape our perceptions and influence our decisions and ultimately guide our lives. And it's no wonder that the enemy targets our minds and aims to fill them with lies and distortions. Paul actually speaks directly to this in Second Corinthians ten to five, where he says, we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. To me, that's like a call to action, like taking captive every thought. And so this verse isn't just poetic language. Again, it's a call to action, and it tells us that we have the authority and I believe, responsibility to capture every thought and align it with the truth of Christ. And so how do we do that. Well, let's break that down. So the first step is just to recognize the toxic thoughts. And I know that doesn't sound sexy and like, oh my gosh, there's a my to do list item. It's an awareness, but this is where it all begins, because we can't take authority over something that we're not even aware of. And the truth is, toxic thoughts can be sneaky, and sometimes they sound logical and sound true, and sometimes they masquerade as you know, self protection or just being realistic. But if you peel back the layers, they are rooted in fear and shame or insecurity, and they do not align with how God sees you. And so maybe it's the voice that says you're too much right or you'll never get it right, or maybe it's you know, no one actually cares about you, or for me, it was like you are alone in this world, or you know, why even bother trying, you're just gonna mess it up. Right, Like those thoughts they feel real because they are so familiar. They've been repeated, sometimes for years, sometimes forever, and so they start to feel like truth. But recognition is the first step to break through. It's got to start with awareness, and so I invite you to get honest and just start noticing the patterns. Journal them if you need to. And when you catch that inner narrative spiraling, pause and just ask like, is this how God would speak to me? And if the answer is no, then it is a thought worth questioning. Okay. The second thing is to challenge those thoughts and replace it with God's truth. And so once you recognize the lies, it's time to replace them. And so this is where scripture becomes your sword. Okay. Ephesian six talks about the armor of God and the word is referred to as the sword of the spirit. And so you don't just defend yourself from lies, you go on offense with truth, okay. And so think of it this way. If you've been believing one story for so long, it's time to write a new one. But and you can, like, you have the ability to write a new story, but not just any story, God's version of your story. It's like a co creation with God. And so I again, this is beyond the scope of this of just this episode. This is a process I take my clients through wherever they are in their spiritual journey. But this means about getting intentional and when a lie shows up, knowing how to call it out and knowing how to replace it with truth in a way that you actually believe and it's not causing more doubt. And so if the thought is like I'm always going to struggle, you can replace it with something like I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me Philippians four thirteen. And this is where I want to also acknowledge, like if something creates a disconnect and if you're like, well, actually, I don't know, I don't know if I believe that, then there's some deeper, subconscious stuff that needs to be addressed, right, Because it's like the scripture is your sword, but if you don't feel worthy or able to use the sword, there's something else that needs to happen. Right, But again that's beyond the scope of this episode, but just wanted to mention that. And so another example is like if the thought is I'm not lovable, or for me it was like I'm not you know know, who's gonna want to marry me, who's going to want to be with me? All the things, replace it with nothing can separate me from the love of God, which is from Romans, right, and so these are just examples. And this isn't just about repeating mantras to hype yourself up. It's about renewing your mind and conditioning your mind with the truth of how God sees you. That is the difference. Okay, the next thing is I hate to make it sound like you have to go on the offense or the defense. I mean, but you've got to guard your mind. And so imagine your mind is like a garden. And if you're not planting seeds intentionally and pulling out weeds regularly, guess what takes over, right, it's the weeds. And so Proverbs for twenty three says, above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. And so your heart in this context is your inner life. It's your inner environment and your mind, your emotions, your soul, your spirit. And that's why it's so important to be mindful of what you're allowing into your thought life, like you've got to tend your garden. And so this includes things like what are you watching and who are you listening to and what kind of content fills your scroll time, And so we can't flood our minds with negativity or comparison or toxic media or fear based messaging, and then wonder why we feel anxious or inadequate. Right, And so guarding your mind doesn't mean living in a bubble, but it does mean that you live on purpose and you're selective about what you consume, and you protect your peace like it's sacred because it is. The next step is to just engage in regular mind renewal, renewing of the mind. So Romans twelfth's two says, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. And this is not just a poetic statement, it's a roadmap for real change. And renewal is daily, it's ongoing. It's choice that we make again and again. And so how do you renew your mind? Well, you do that with God's word, but also with intention. And that means carving out time each day, even if it's just five minutes to sit with truth, and it might look like starting your morning with a devotional or journaling about what God is teaching you or what he sees in you, or why you can be proud of yourself or what you're grateful for, or listening to a warship song that reminds you of who you are, and so don't underestimate the power of small, consistent shifts. I it's not these big, grandiose things that make the difference. It's small consistent shifts. And you don't need to be perfect, You just need to be present. And when you make space for God, I promise you he will meet you there. And the next step is to seek community and accountability, because you weren't meant to fight your battles alone and the enemy knows that, and so he tries to isolate you. Ecclesiastes four nine reminds us that when one person falls, the other can help them up, and that is the power of community. And so whether it's a friend or a mentor, or a small group or a therapist, invite someone into your journey, because when you're stuck in your thoughts, sometimes the most powerful thing is just hearing someone else say I've been there too, or just I'm here to walk through it with you. And here's the thing. Vulnerability doesn't make you weak, it makes you real, it makes it's a powerhouse. In my opinion, it's a strength and it's a superpower. And realness is where healing begins. And so if you're struggling with your thought life, don't hide it, share it with somebody safe and let them speak truth over you when you forget how to speak it over yourself. Okay. And of course we've got to talk about practicing gratitude. And I know this one seems simple and everyone's talking about gratitude, this, gratitude that, but don't underestimate it, like, gratitude literally rewires your brain. Okay. Neuroscience tells us that when we focus on what's good, not only does our brain release that dopamine and serotonin and all the feel good chemicals that boost our mood and shift our perspective, but because of the law of reciprocal inhibition, when you're focusing on gratitude, fear and anxiety and dread has to shut down. It has to turn off. And so if your mind is spiraling with negativity or stress or fear, try gratitude like not as a way to ignore your pain, but just as a way to shift your focus and kind of hijack your brain back. Okay, and start small. Three things every day is enough, Like write them down, say them out loud, celebrate the tiny winds. And again you ask God to show you, like God, when I don't feel grateful, show me what I can be grateful for. Show me what you're proud of me about. Right, And gratitude doesn't mean that your life is perfect. It just means that you're choosing to still see what's good and that changes everything. And then, of course remember the power of the Holy Spirit. That's the secret sauce right here, right, You don't have to do this alone, and you are definitely not supposed to. And so God gave us his spirit to help us and strengthen us and guide us. Okay. Galatians five twenty two tells us the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. And doesn't that sound like the antidote to toxic thinking? Right? I feel like it does. And so when you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts, pause and pray and say, Holy Spirit, help me, like, show me what's true, replace the lies with your peace. Sometimes I'm like, I am desperate, Please meet me here, right, And that's where I just want to invite you into like you are not powerless in this battle. The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, and you have access to power and peace and perspective like no other. So lean into it, okay, And I want to share something personal. You know, there was a season in my life when toxic thoughts consume me and I was living on an unworthiness blanket and I felt unloved and hopeless and it was a dark place and I didn't know how to escape. But through God's grace, I began to immerse myself in His word. And this is before I even knew. It's funny because I had people speaking scripture into me, bringing me to life, and I didn't even realized that it was from the Bible. Right, So I'm talking like way back and then obviously within the context of my faith journey. But then, of course, as I started getting into my faith journey, I started surrounding myself with a community of believers who spoke truth into my life. And again I was doing that unknowingly before I even found Jesus. But that's a whole nother story in itself. But I started to challenge those negative thoughts and replace them with God's promises. And it's not an overnight transformation. It is a journey, and it's a daily decision to choose truth over lies. And I still have my moments of struggle. Trust me, I'm still walk in the walk right, and I stumble and hit roadbumps, and sometimes I'm like God, what's going on? I feel powerless? But now I just have the tools to combat those thoughts so that they don't take me down rabbit holes that last days and weeks. Right, I can handle in the moments. I can be emotionally available to myself in those moments and ask God to step in right. And that's what allows me to walk in the freedom that God desires for me. Doesn't mean I don't stumble and fall, but I have the tools to bring me back okay. And so breaking free from toxic thoughts it's a journey, and it's a continuous process of aligning our minds with God's truth. And it's about being intentional and vigilant and relying on the Holy Spirit. And you're not alone in this battle. God is with you and he's equipping you with everything that you need to overcome. But it's about leaning into Him and immersing yourself in His word and surrounding yourself with the community that uplifts and supports you. And when those toxic thoughts try to creep back in, you get to stand firm in the truth of who you are as a beloved child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made with a purpose and a future filled with hope. Right, So don't forget that walk in that truth and that will continue to set you free. So, if you enjoyed today's episode of Ask the God Pod, I'm so glad that you're here and that you got whatever you need. Feel free to share it with somebody else who needs to hear this as well, And if you have any questions of your own, feel free to send them on in over What's God Got to Do with It? Dot com? So I will talk to you next week and we'll be back from more God Pod guye. We'll be back with more What's God Got to Do with It? But in the meantime, I would definitely love to hear from you, so just tell me where you are in your story or maybe what questions you have, like where do you feel you need clarity or support or wisdom in you your own journey. I definitely want to hear from you, So head on over to What's God Got to Do with It? Dot com and scroll down to the form to share your thoughts, your questions, your feedback, and you can do that instantly. So What's God Got to Do With It? Dot com you'll find all the ways to do that. And if you like this podcast and want to hear more, go ahead and follow, like, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to get your weekly dose of What's God Got to Do With It? New episodes drop every single Tuesday, and while you're there, be sure to rate and review to show your support. It really means so much. What's God Got to Do With It is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast Network. It's written and hosted by me Leanne Ellington, executive produced by Elizabeth Fozzio, post production and editing by Houston Tilley, and original music written by Cheryl Stark and produced by Adam Stark

Hey, and welcome back to what's God got to do with it? And we are diving deep into the questions that matter most to you, our listeners, as you walk with God. And so today we're tackling a topic that hits home for so many of us, and it's how do I break free from toxic thoughts? And we all know those thoughts, the ones that creep in uninvited, and they're whispering lies about who we are, and then they sow seeds of doubt and fear and negativity, and they can feel overwhelming and even paralyzing. And the scariest part about them is they feel true. Right. But here's the good news. We don't have to be held captive by them. In fact, Scripture gives us powerful tools to combat and overcome these toxic thought patterns, and so get comfy, and let's dive into this journey of renewing our minds, as the Bible says, and aligning our thoughts with God's truth. And so first it's really important to understand the battle for our minds. And so let's acknowledge something crucial. The mind is a battlefield, and our thoughts have immense power, and they shape our perceptions and influence our decisions and ultimately guide our lives. And it's no wonder that the enemy targets our minds and aims to fill them with lies and distortions. Paul actually speaks directly to this in Second Corinthians ten to five, where he says, we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. To me, that's like a call to action, like taking captive every thought. And so this verse isn't just poetic language. Again, it's a call to action, and it tells us that we have the authority and I believe, responsibility to capture every thought and align it with the truth of Christ. And so how do we do that. Well, let's break that down. So the first step is just to recognize the toxic thoughts. And I know that doesn't sound sexy and like, oh my gosh, there's a my to do list item. It's an awareness, but this is where it all begins, because we can't take authority over something that we're not even aware of. And the truth is, toxic thoughts can be sneaky, and sometimes they sound logical and sound true, and sometimes they masquerade as you know, self protection or just being realistic. But if you peel back the layers, they are rooted in fear and shame or insecurity, and they do not align with how God sees you. And so maybe it's the voice that says you're too much right or you'll never get it right, or maybe it's you know, no one actually cares about you, or for me, it was like you are alone in this world, or you know, why even bother trying, you're just gonna mess it up. Right, Like those thoughts they feel real because they are so familiar. They've been repeated, sometimes for years, sometimes forever, and so they start to feel like truth. But recognition is the first step to break through. It's got to start with awareness, and so I invite you to get honest and just start noticing the patterns. Journal them if you need to. And when you catch that inner narrative spiraling, pause and just ask like, is this how God would speak to me? And if the answer is no, then it is a thought worth questioning. Okay. The second thing is to challenge those thoughts and replace it with God's truth. And so once you recognize the lies, it's time to replace them. And so this is where scripture becomes your sword. Okay. Ephesian six talks about the armor of God and the word is referred to as the sword of the spirit. And so you don't just defend yourself from lies, you go on offense with truth, okay. And so think of it this way. If you've been believing one story for so long, it's time to write a new one. But and you can, like, you have the ability to write a new story, but not just any story, God's version of your story. It's like a co creation with God. And so I again, this is beyond the scope of this of just this episode. This is a process I take my clients through wherever they are in their spiritual journey. But this means about getting intentional and when a lie shows up, knowing how to call it out and knowing how to replace it with truth in a way that you actually believe and it's not causing more doubt. And so if the thought is like I'm always going to struggle, you can replace it with something like I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me Philippians four thirteen. And this is where I want to also acknowledge, like if something creates a disconnect and if you're like, well, actually, I don't know, I don't know if I believe that, then there's some deeper, subconscious stuff that needs to be addressed, right, Because it's like the scripture is your sword, but if you don't feel worthy or able to use the sword, there's something else that needs to happen. Right, But again that's beyond the scope of this episode, but just wanted to mention that. And so another example is like if the thought is I'm not lovable, or for me it was like I'm not you know know, who's gonna want to marry me, who's going to want to be with me? All the things, replace it with nothing can separate me from the love of God, which is from Romans, right, and so these are just examples. And this isn't just about repeating mantras to hype yourself up. It's about renewing your mind and conditioning your mind with the truth of how God sees you. That is the difference. Okay, the next thing is I hate to make it sound like you have to go on the offense or the defense. I mean, but you've got to guard your mind. And so imagine your mind is like a garden. And if you're not planting seeds intentionally and pulling out weeds regularly, guess what takes over, right, it's the weeds. And so Proverbs for twenty three says, above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. And so your heart in this context is your inner life. It's your inner environment and your mind, your emotions, your soul, your spirit. And that's why it's so important to be mindful of what you're allowing into your thought life, like you've got to tend your garden. And so this includes things like what are you watching and who are you listening to and what kind of content fills your scroll time, And so we can't flood our minds with negativity or comparison or toxic media or fear based messaging, and then wonder why we feel anxious or inadequate. Right, And so guarding your mind doesn't mean living in a bubble, but it does mean that you live on purpose and you're selective about what you consume, and you protect your peace like it's sacred because it is. The next step is to just engage in regular mind renewal, renewing of the mind. So Romans twelfth's two says, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. And this is not just a poetic statement, it's a roadmap for real change. And renewal is daily, it's ongoing. It's choice that we make again and again. And so how do you renew your mind? Well, you do that with God's word, but also with intention. And that means carving out time each day, even if it's just five minutes to sit with truth, and it might look like starting your morning with a devotional or journaling about what God is teaching you or what he sees in you, or why you can be proud of yourself or what you're grateful for, or listening to a warship song that reminds you of who you are, and so don't underestimate the power of small, consistent shifts. I it's not these big, grandiose things that make the difference. It's small consistent shifts. And you don't need to be perfect, You just need to be present. And when you make space for God, I promise you he will meet you there. And the next step is to seek community and accountability, because you weren't meant to fight your battles alone and the enemy knows that, and so he tries to isolate you. Ecclesiastes four nine reminds us that when one person falls, the other can help them up, and that is the power of community. And so whether it's a friend or a mentor, or a small group or a therapist, invite someone into your journey, because when you're stuck in your thoughts, sometimes the most powerful thing is just hearing someone else say I've been there too, or just I'm here to walk through it with you. And here's the thing. Vulnerability doesn't make you weak, it makes you real, it makes it's a powerhouse. In my opinion, it's a strength and it's a superpower. And realness is where healing begins. And so if you're struggling with your thought life, don't hide it, share it with somebody safe and let them speak truth over you when you forget how to speak it over yourself. Okay. And of course we've got to talk about practicing gratitude. And I know this one seems simple and everyone's talking about gratitude, this, gratitude that, but don't underestimate it, like, gratitude literally rewires your brain. Okay. Neuroscience tells us that when we focus on what's good, not only does our brain release that dopamine and serotonin and all the feel good chemicals that boost our mood and shift our perspective, but because of the law of reciprocal inhibition, when you're focusing on gratitude, fear and anxiety and dread has to shut down. It has to turn off. And so if your mind is spiraling with negativity or stress or fear, try gratitude like not as a way to ignore your pain, but just as a way to shift your focus and kind of hijack your brain back. Okay, and start small. Three things every day is enough, Like write them down, say them out loud, celebrate the tiny winds. And again you ask God to show you, like God, when I don't feel grateful, show me what I can be grateful for. Show me what you're proud of me about. Right, And gratitude doesn't mean that your life is perfect. It just means that you're choosing to still see what's good and that changes everything. And then, of course remember the power of the Holy Spirit. That's the secret sauce right here, right, You don't have to do this alone, and you are definitely not supposed to. And so God gave us his spirit to help us and strengthen us and guide us. Okay. Galatians five twenty two tells us the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. And doesn't that sound like the antidote to toxic thinking? Right? I feel like it does. And so when you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts, pause and pray and say, Holy Spirit, help me, like, show me what's true, replace the lies with your peace. Sometimes I'm like, I am desperate, Please meet me here, right, And that's where I just want to invite you into like you are not powerless in this battle. The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, and you have access to power and peace and perspective like no other. So lean into it, okay, And I want to share something personal. You know, there was a season in my life when toxic thoughts consume me and I was living on an unworthiness blanket and I felt unloved and hopeless and it was a dark place and I didn't know how to escape. But through God's grace, I began to immerse myself in His word. And this is before I even knew. It's funny because I had people speaking scripture into me, bringing me to life, and I didn't even realized that it was from the Bible. Right, So I'm talking like way back and then obviously within the context of my faith journey. But then, of course, as I started getting into my faith journey, I started surrounding myself with a community of believers who spoke truth into my life. And again I was doing that unknowingly before I even found Jesus. But that's a whole nother story in itself. But I started to challenge those negative thoughts and replace them with God's promises. And it's not an overnight transformation. It is a journey, and it's a daily decision to choose truth over lies. And I still have my moments of struggle. Trust me, I'm still walk in the walk right, and I stumble and hit roadbumps, and sometimes I'm like God, what's going on? I feel powerless? But now I just have the tools to combat those thoughts so that they don't take me down rabbit holes that last days and weeks. Right, I can handle in the moments. I can be emotionally available to myself in those moments and ask God to step in right. And that's what allows me to walk in the freedom that God desires for me. Doesn't mean I don't stumble and fall, but I have the tools to bring me back okay. And so breaking free from toxic thoughts it's a journey, and it's a continuous process of aligning our minds with God's truth. And it's about being intentional and vigilant and relying on the Holy Spirit. And you're not alone in this battle. God is with you and he's equipping you with everything that you need to overcome. But it's about leaning into Him and immersing yourself in His word and surrounding yourself with the community that uplifts and supports you. And when those toxic thoughts try to creep back in, you get to stand firm in the truth of who you are as a beloved child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made with a purpose and a future filled with hope. Right, So don't forget that walk in that truth and that will continue to set you free. So, if you enjoyed today's episode of Ask the God Pod, I'm so glad that you're here and that you got whatever you need. Feel free to share it with somebody else who needs to hear this as well, And if you have any questions of your own, feel free to send them on in over What's God Got to Do with It? Dot com? So I will talk to you next week and we'll be back from more God Pod guye. We'll be back with more What's God Got to Do with It? But in the meantime, I would definitely love to hear from you, so just tell me where you are in your story or maybe what questions you have, like where do you feel you need clarity or support or wisdom in you your own journey. I definitely want to hear from you, So head on over to What's God Got to Do with It? Dot com and scroll down to the form to share your thoughts, your questions, your feedback, and you can do that instantly. So What's God Got to Do With It? Dot com you'll find all the ways to do that. And if you like this podcast and want to hear more, go ahead and follow, like, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to get your weekly dose of What's God Got to Do With It? New episodes drop every single Tuesday, and while you're there, be sure to rate and review to show your support. It really means so much. What's God Got to Do With It is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast Network. It's written and hosted by me Leanne Ellington, executive produced by Elizabeth Fozzio, post production and editing by Houston Tilley, and original music written by Cheryl Stark and produced by Adam Stark