Your Anxious Thoughts
Like it or not, all of us are establishing new patterns during this time of crisis. These patterns are reflected in adjusted rhythms of work and rest. They’re seen in the ways we relate to people virtually rather than physically. They’re evidenced in the ways we shop and the places we worship.
All of these carry a significant impact. However, one of the most crucial patterns that we need to consider is the way we think. As the implications of the pandemic deepen, it’s clear that the situation will extend longer than we had ever dreamed and will result in changes that we had never imagined.
In the midst of this chaos and all the questions that swirl around it, our mental health is seriously threatened. Even the best of us grapple with disappointment and discouragement. For many, it deepens into a sense of despair.
Even the best of us grapple with disappointment and discouragement.
Learned Hopelessness
Clinical psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud refers to this as “learned hopelessness.” He notes that, as this takes root, it can result in anxiety, depression, and what he refers to as a negative cognitive interpretation.
While I was familiar with the first two of these, I wasn’t up to speed on the third. And when Dr. Cloud explained it, I saw how it was especially threatening to leaders.
He notes that when anxiety and despair take root in an environment of disequilibrium, a leader interprets events at a whole new level of negativity. For example, say the weekly giving begins to sag.
Unlike the occasions when he has to face this challenge in normal circumstances (And what pastor hasn’t?), in times of crisis, the leader falls prey to negative cognitive interpretation evidenced in what Cloud describes as the “3 P’s.”
First of all, he takes it PERSONALLY. “This is on me.” “It’s all my fault.” “Why didn’t I prepare our church for this?” “I obviously failed to cast a compelling vision.” “If only I had preached more on stewardship.”
Secondly, he sees it PERVASIVELY. “It’s not just the finances. It’s my poor leadership in general.” “I’m just a lousy pastor.” “I should probably just resign.” Now, it’s not just a financial issue – everything is bad, and the hopelessness widens while the despair deepens.
Finally, he sees it PERMANENTLY. “Things will never turn around.” “It’s not going to get any better.” “This is the way it will always be.” “The situation is hopeless.”
As you might imagine, left unattended, the impact of these “3 P’s” can take a leader down…if not out.
Holy Mind Control
So how does one address this?
A Bible passage I memorized years ago offers some insight. Psalm 139:23 reads, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts…
With total candor, the psalmist admits that he is struggling with anxiety.
The place to begin, then, is to recognize when anxious thoughts are building up momentum in your life. Anxious thoughts are part of our broken humanity. And, as such, we shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to verbalize our struggle with them to the One who made us.
Recognize when anxious thoughts are building up momentum in your life.
Then ask God to help you take a detailed inventory of those thoughts. As He does, you might well find new perspective. Issues often loom larger when taken as a whole rather than when seen as manageable pieces.
Next, you need to remember that your anxious thoughts are being stampeded by a very real enemy. This enemy will do all he can to accelerate and exaggerate your despair.
Jesus tells us that the Devil is a liar. He lies to us about who God is – how He doesn’t really love us… or doesn’t really want the best for us. Whispers such as, “You can’t really trust God. It’s all up to you.”
He lies to us about who we are to God. That we aren’t deeply cherished and freely graced. “God is so disappointed in you – you can’t go to Him with this. You’re not good enough to be loved.”
And he lies to us about situations. He lies about what they truly are. “This is utterly hopeless. There is no way this will change.” Or what situations mean. “You failed miserably…that makes you a failure.”
Once you have freshly remembered that your anxious thoughts are being leveraged by the enemy, you need to resist those thoughts.
Peter writes:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (I Peter 5:7-9)
Remember that your anxious thoughts are being stampeded by a very real enemy. Resist him.
As children of the King, we have authority in Christ to say “No!” to the enemy. No! to the lies. No! to the fear. (And isn’t it good to know you’re not alone in dealing with this stuff?!)
Paul adds that this resistance is seen when we “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
This isn’t some sort of denial of reality. Rather, it’s clearly seeing reality and resisting anything that isn’t reality.
Finally, you need to replace those anxious thoughts.
In his letter to the Philippians Paul says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)
Replace your anxious thoughts.
What is true? Jesus said that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). Spend time meditating on the scripture. Remind yourself of what is true: God IS loving and kind, patient and strong. He has promised to provide, and He keeps His word.
What is lovely? Spend time thinking about things you appreciate. Recall memories of times of peace or happiness and take a few minutes to soak in that joy.
Ask God if He has something He wants to say to you as an antidote to the Evil One’s whispers.
To be sure there is much swirling around us that could lead to all sorts of anxious thoughts. But there’s so much more evidence that we have ample reason to walk in confidence, peace, and joy – if only we practice some basic mind control.
The Everyday Pastor Blog is brought to you by our partners.
To support Dave DeSelm Ministries by becoming a partner, CLICK HERE.