My depressive thoughts go around and around. Some scientists believe that this has a physiological origin.  Thoughts develop neural pathways.  The more frequently the thought the stronger the connections.

So what can we do?  

Cognitive Behavior Therapy helps an individual discover distortions in thinking and begin to replace them with realistic and positive thoughts.  

There is a milli-moment between an event, the thought, and its interpretation.  The thought elicits a feeling.  Rewiring of these milli-moments is possible.  Realistic thoughts replace negative interpretations. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is an effective method of depression treatment.

We can choose to pursue the renewing of our minds.  Changing depressive thought patterns can cause a transformation. God hates these negative patterns because of the damage it does to us. And I believe that there is divine aid He gives us in the renewing of our minds.

We begin thought replacement with “new” thoughts. Scripture can give us words and phrases we can use whenever a negative thought occurs.

Here are a few scriptures that might give us a start.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for your rod and staff comfort me.” Ps 23:3

”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  Ps 34:18

“Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest.” Matt 11:28

“If God is for us who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”  Is 41:10

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.”  Is 43:2

“God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, thought the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”  Ps 46:1-2

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.”  Rev 21:4

Finding promises that speak to your heart can be used to substitute negative thoughts.  As you catch a negative thought, substitute a positive one.

‘God help me to think of your promises today.’