Is There Really Power in Positive Thinking? A Bible Study

There is power in positive thinking, but not as the world believes in—natural, earthly, and carnal ways of getting our way. The power in positive thinking for the believer is rooted in what we believe about God and His word.

How do believers attain the power of God for positive thinking? Philippians 4:8 gives us a clear direction in how we can think positively:

“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”.

Thought #1) Think on things that are true

“Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful” (John 3:33).

We need to direct our minds to reflect on how God is always truthful and never lies. If He says, “I will never leave you” than we know we’re never alone. If He says, “I make all things work together for your good” than we can take comfort in our trials and tribulations. The power of God in our faith walk is most reflected when we think on the truthfulness of God.

Question to Ponder: How has God revealed truth to you?

Meditate on Psalm 145:18

Thought #2) Think on things that are noble

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica” (Acts 17:11).

The nobility of the Bereans was demonstrated through their diligence in searching the scriptures. A noble mind is open to exploring God’s word rather than clinging to man’s traditions. Believers who think noble thoughts tend to resist the urge of prejudicial thinking about others. The power of God generates an openness and approachable attitude about God’s word.

Question to Ponder: How can I train my mind towards noble thoughts?

Meditate on Colossians 3:2

The power in positive thinking for the believer is rooted in what we believe about God and His word.

Thought #3) Think on things that are right

^“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does” (Psalm 33:4).

We live in a world where the line between right and wrong is continually blurred. The word of God never backtracks on what is right. Meditating on God’s word on a regular basis equips a believer to live righteously. The power of God is most evident in believers who stand for what is right even in adversity.

Question to Ponder: How am I challenging myself every day in the meditation, memorization, and application of God’s word?

Meditate on Psalms 1:1-3

Thought #4) Think on things that are pure

“The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight” (Proverbs 15:26).

Our spoken words spring out of the depths of our hearts. Christians can practice the discipline of keeping their hearts and minds pure by refusing to entertain uncleanness. The power of God is revealed through the lips of a pure heart that brings encouragement, exhortation, rebuke, or reproof to others in gentleness.

Question to Ponder: How do I actively protect my mind from impure thoughts?

Meditate on 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Thought #5) Think on things that are lovely

^“You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners” (Song of Solomon 6:4).

Sometimes when we’re assailed by the darkness, we need to train our minds to think on those things that are lovely. Pleasant memories of the faithfulness of God encourages us to focus on the beauty of what life has to offer even in trials. The power of God prompts us to offer praises of thankfulness.

Question to Ponder: What am I thankful for on a regular basis?

Meditate on 1 Chronicles 16:34

Thought #6) Think on things that are admirable

Saul and Jonathan—in life they were loved and admired, and in death they were not parted” (2 Samuel 1:23).

Saul and Jonathan were as different as night from day; yet both were admired in their day. Jesus is far greater than these men and worthy of all our admiration. We can center our thoughts to feast on the goodness of Christ. The power of God opens up our minds to His great sacrifice and love that leads us into eternal life.

Question to Ponder: How does my life reflect my admiration for Jesus Christ?

Meditate on Revelation 4:11

Thought #7) Think on things that are excellent

“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).

To focus on the excellence of grace can captivate our minds and release us from the perils of negative thinking. Grace gives us the strength to move forward when we want to give up. The power of God activates our faith to think on the endless possibilities of grace through Christ.

Question to Ponder: How is grace been revealed in my life today?

Meditate on 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Thought #8) Think on things that are praiseworthy

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 78:4).

There’s none more worthy of praise than that of our Lord Jesus Christ. He took on the burden of our sins so that we can live free. Reflecting on the goodness of God always results in praise to His name. The power of God releases us from the depths of despair when we give ourselves over to thoughts of praise.

Question to Ponder: What can you praise God for today?

Meditate on Psalm 145:3

Power of Positive Thinking

The Bible clearly leads us in the direction of positive thinking in our Christian walk. As believers, we have the power of God to discipline our thinking. It takes effort to train the mind to lean towards hope in the midst of suffering; yet it’s worth it when the fruit of godliness springs up within your soul.

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10 Awesome Bible Verses About The Power of Prayer

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