Do Destructive Thoughts Have Power Over You?
By Carl Halling
@CarlHalling (3617)
United Kingdom
April 24, 2011 8:43pm CST
Strange question, perhaps. We all have a variety of thoughts. Most are fairly positive to neutral. When we are angry, our thoughts can be negative. This is normal. But there are times when negative thoughts can come into our heads suddenly; unexpectedly, and shock us, take us by surprise. We may be low; or weak; or tired; they just do. They are the most disturbing thoughts of all (as I see it), because angry thoughts are to be expected when we are angry, and we can handle them. But negative thoughts that spring from nowhere; well I would have said, they are troubling, because they seem unaccountable. Wow! We might say; where'd that come from? Now: back to my question: do you forgive yourself for destructive thoughts that spring out of thin air, maybe over a friend; or loved one. Do you say: oh lands, I didn't mean THAT! It was just a dumb thought. So you can meet the world with a clean conscience; meet your friend; your family. Or do you allow that thought to gain control, and eat away at you, and fill you with guilt, so when you meet the people you may have had that thought about: that thought is controlling; it is written all over your face? Which is you? Or is this not an issue you suffer from at all?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
25 Apr 11
Emotions are just that - emotions. I have had depression several times in my life and have suffered much hardship. I just cry, wipe away the tears and pray for wisdom to get out of the problem rather than dwell on it. My faith means a great deal to me and I do trust (most of the time) that God will always take care of me. I live by the maxim that no where in the Bible did t say that 'Thou Shalt Have Life fair'.
But we were promised life everlasting if we keep faithful. You can rise above your thoughts even though they are destructive as you are not acting on them. If the thoughts last for more than a few weeks then you must seek medical help. I sought medical help and therapy and it helped me so much.
Sometimes thoughts arise because of an incident with someone or something happening in our life but it does not mean that you are a bad person at all. Look deep into yourself and you will find that you are a good person.
Try and get hold of a book called 'The Shack'. This really explains the hardships we suffer and why in an amazing way. I have read it three times. Many blessings to you Carl.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
25 Apr 11
Thank you, Cynthia Ann. I own a copy of "The Shack"; I think my brother bought it for me a few years ago for Christmas. I'll take a closer look. My thoughts are only split-second...they slip in and out in quite literally less than an instant. But strangely they leave a mark; this is what baffles me; I feel guilt over them even when I disown them totally!!!! You're right: life this side of Heaven is not fair, and we can't expect it to be. Thanks once again, Cynthis Ann. Bless you.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
26 Apr 11
We can torture ourselves over these split second thoughts; even if, since thinking them: we do all in our power to renounce them: this is why I speak so strongly of the mysterious power of thought. Mind you...this is new for me. Before I became a Christian, I thought all kinds of thoughts; and was able to conceal or forget them all: I had no guilt about them. I hope you come to terms with your past thoughts.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
25 Apr 11
Some thought never leave you. at the age of 15 I was babysitting my sister's baby. she was in an abusive marriage and he had hit her during her pregnancy. In my naive confused state I looked at my only nephew and thought that if he wasn't born then perhaps they would have been happier as her husband did not want her to have a baby so soon. He was very possessive of her.
To this day, I have guilt of thinking that if he hadn't have been born then they may have been happier. and, like you it was a split second thought.sometimes the guilt lives on. she had another son and then she came home to us from the hospital as her husband said that this son must be given up for adoption. so my father told her to come home and he would take care of her. And he did.
@buenavida (9985)
• Sweden
26 Apr 11
Having a relationship with God can help us - we can always talk to Him about our problems, ask for guidance to do the right things and wisdom to see what kind of future He has planned for mankind.
Reading the Bible has helped a lot to make me feel better when I feel depressd. When I talk to God, and ask for help, I always start thinking more positive thoughts.
When I help others, it also gives me joy, so instead of thinking negative thoughts, why not plan what I could do for others who may have more problems than I have? 
The bright future we can read about in the Holy Scriptures is so uplifting and when we share it with others, we forget about our own problems. Here is one of my favorite scriptures from Psalm 37 (King James Version):
[i]"10For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."[/i]
The bright future we can read about in the Holy Scriptures is so uplifting and when we share it with others, we forget about our own problems. Here is one of my favorite scriptures from Psalm 37 (King James Version):
[i]"10For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."[/i] @buenavida (9985)
• Sweden
26 Apr 11
Yes, Carl - we often tend to look back to things we obviously cannot change - ruminating is a good term for that..
I think the best we can do is to try and fill our lives with as much positive stuff as we can - might help to keep this kind of thoughts to a minimum.
I think the best we can do is to try and fill our lives with as much positive stuff as we can - might help to keep this kind of thoughts to a minimum.@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
26 Apr 11
Of course: but they slip in; it only takes a split instant: we are still in the sinful body. Thanks for all your help here. Blessings to you, Buenavida.
1 person likes this
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
26 Apr 11
Thanks buenavida: the issue is not so much thinking negative thoughts. It is the power split second thoughts have. Obviously ruminating negatively is going to lead to problems. But I am speaking of split second thoughts that come and go. These can have power I have found. Thanks for responding...:o)
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
25 Apr 11
Before my dear friend convinced me a couple a years ago that I wasn't Evil , I was convinced these type of thoughts were signs That I was evil. Now I rarely have those thoughts creep up on me. I can Never thank you enough.
As I see it , there is nothing to forgive, they are just thoughts, not deeds. You are a good person. Don't let a passing evil thought ruin all the work you have done. The good in you far outweighs the bad.
@orang13 (723)
• Philippines
25 Apr 11
Negative thoughts are very uncontrollable. It seems to always overcome me, however, there are times too that I able to bear it and erase it from my thinking but it can be hardly be removed. The power of thought is totally in rage! So if ever negative thoughts suddenly felt, then the best way to fight over it is to run over the positive side of it to neutralize everything!
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
25 Apr 11
Hi Orang13. Yes, they can be. Which is why I work very hard to keep my thoughts in submission. They have such power. You are right: radical positive thinking can be a good antidote to the power of negative thinking.
@buenavida (9985)
• Sweden
26 Apr 11
I have heard a good illustration about this..you might have heard it too..
We cannot prevent birds from flying over our heads, but we can prevent them from building a nest on our head..
I think it is the same with the thoughts..
When you read the book of Psalms in the Bible, you will find so many comforting things there. It looks like God understands us better than we understand ourselves..
When you read the book of Psalms in the Bible, you will find so many comforting things there. It looks like God understands us better than we understand ourselves..
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
25 Apr 11
Every thought we have has the power to influence our libes. Allowing the negative cnes to gain control adds more confusion and drama and conflict to our lives.@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
26 Apr 11
Agreed 100%, sender621...indeed my discussion is about that: the power of these thoughts. The power they have of themselves.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
25 Apr 11
I have been through so many negative things in my life and still go through them. I have every right to think and feel the way I do. I have hoped for a change for a very long time but it just doesn't happen.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
25 Apr 11
I'm sorry to hear that, Steph. I hope things change for you.
