Does positive thinking have any power?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

No good power lies outside of God. When we think positively and then experience blessings, only God should be praised. The book of Psalms conveys ways to think positively from a biblical perspective ( Psalm 1:1-3, 16:8-9, 34:1-5, 37:4-5, 103:1-5). In the New Testament, godly thinking is addressed more expansively . We can continually express thankfulness to God (Ephesians 5:20) for His blessings, attributes, promises, as well as the new identity He has graciously given us as His children (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). As we abide in a close relationship with Him (John 15:1-11), we can also study and think on His Word, which is full of life-giving truth (John 8:31-32). Additionally, we can ask God to steer our thoughts toward a heavenly-minded perspective (Matthew 6:33). Perhaps the most explicitly helpful verse for godly, positive thinking is Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
• nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” We are “blessed” when we focus on the Lord and His word.
• Psalm 37:4-5 says: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” We can delight ourselves in the Lord through meditating on His Word, which includes thinking about His truths continually.
• The psalmist asks, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation” (Psalm 42:5). Praising God lifts our spirits.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus teaches that His followers should not be anxious but should trust in the Lord. Keeping our focus on God’s Kingdom lifts our worries (Matthew 6:28-34).
• True power is not of us or from our thoughts. The power that spiritually sets us free comes from God’s truth (John 8:31-32).
• We are reminded of God's promises and His faithfulness when we meditate on Scripture. When we think about what pleases God, we are more likely to experience the fullness of life He gives us (John 15:1-11).
• Biblically-based, positive thinking means dwelling on the character of God and His redeeming work in our lives. We begin think about ourselves in terms of our new identities in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21)
• When we are thankful to God in all circumstances (Ephesians 5:20), we have a better perspective and can more easily process heartache and disappointment.
• Philippians 4:8 is perhaps the best verse when it comes to understanding what biblical, positive thinking looks like: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Positive thinking is a popular self-help concept that can refer either to having an optimistic outlook or to attempting to think certain things into existence. For the latter, the idea is that if we believe something enough, it will happen. This theory is unbiblical. Humankind is not capable of creating outcomes through thought, though certainly God performs miracles in response to a believer's prayer (John 14:12-14). While our expectations influence our performance and evaluation of a situation, our thoughts do not control our world—God does. The first definition, having an optimistic outlook, has more biblical validity. Throughout the Bible we are told to meditate on God's Word (Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:148; Joshua 1:8), to think on things that are pleasing to God (Philippians 4:8), to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

UNDERSTAND

• Positive thinking may influence our approach to a circumstance, but our thoughts cannot create our reality.
• God alone controls our world.
• Meditating on God’s word and trusting in Him has the power to relieve us of anxiety.

REFLECT

• How does God’s Word help you keep a positive mindset?
• What are your biblical strategies for overcoming anxiety?
• How often do you meditate on God’s Word, and what impact have you seen from doing so?

ENGAGE

• How does biblical meditation on God’s Word differ from secular ideas of “manifesting” or creating outcomes through thought?
• How can believers reach those who think that positive thinking can change reality?
• How does the power of biblical positive thinking differ from popular worldly notions of positive thinking?
• How does understanding that God alone has power over our world shape the way we view positive thinking and faith?