3 Steps to Challenge Negative Thinking as a Christian

This post is about faith based coping skills for negative thoughts.

Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current Student working toward her PHD learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you).

Battling negative intrusive thoughts? Are you looking for faith based coping skills for negative thoughts? In today’s devotional we will be looking a practical to learn practical tips to help you combat negative thoughts as a Christian.

Struggling With Negative Thinking as a Christian

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Yesterday we discussed the significant positive impact of having a Mentor from a psychological lens. Today, we will be learning about an educational skill that helps us “barrow” the behaviors of those we look up to in order to progress through difficult situations. This tool is called Borrowed Perspective. 

If you haven’t read yesterday’s devotional CLICK HERE. 

Biblical Coping Skill for Negative Thinking

Step 1: Spot the “Dull” Thought Notice when your thinking feels heavy, stuck, or negative. For example, you might catch yourself thinking, “I’ll never get past this” or “I am completely alone.”

Step 2: Find Your “Sharpener” Reach out to someone you trust who has more experience with what you’re going through. Instead of asking them to fix things for you, just ask how they view the situation. You are simply borrowing their fresh, clear point of view.

Step 3: Compare and Clear Your Mind Look at your “dull” thought next to their “sharp” perspective. Ask yourself: “What do they see that I might be missing right now because I am tired or overwhelmed?” By borrowing their wisdom, you can sharpen your own thinking and figure out your best next steps.

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Faith Connection

Metal cannot sharpen itself on its own, as it requires contact friction. If left by itself it will always remain dull. In the same way as iron, we cannot grow if we hide and remain alone in our struggles. Proverbs 27:17 shows us that Christ designed us to lean on one another and to guide each other through difficult moments. Having the courage to speak out and become vulnerable with another individual is a significant step in growing and moving through these situations. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and even more to apply it. However, having a mentor and someone to “sharpen” doesn’t just give you answers for the situation. Instead, it gives you a peak into your future and what life could have in store for you by looking through your mentor’s eyes. 

5 Evidence-Based Facts to Ease Anxiety About Negative Thoughts

It is incredibly common for Christians to feel anxious or guilty simply for having negative thoughts, fearing it means they lack faith. However, understanding how God designed our brains can relieve this guilt and help us use tools like “Borrowed Perspective” more effectively.

1. The Brain is Wired with a “Negativity Bias”

• The Fact: Neuroscience shows that the human brain is biologically hardwired to notice and remember negative information more than positive information. This is an ancient survival mechanism designed by God to keep humans safe from physical danger.
• The Relief: Experiencing a negative thought is not a spiritual failure; it is your brain’s alarm system doing its job. You do not need to feel guilty for the initial negative thought, but you can use your community (your “sharpeners”) to help turn the alarm off when there is no real danger.

2. Fighting a Thought Makes It Stronger (The Rebound Effect)

• The Fact: Psychological studies on “Ironic Process Theory” prove that actively trying not to think about something causes the brain to think about it more frequently. Suppressing negative thoughts actually fuels anxiety.
• The Relief: You don’t have to panic when a heavy thought enters your mind, and you don’t have to forcefully push it away. Acknowledging it without judgment allows it to pass faster, making it much easier to hand the thought over to a mentor for a fresh perspective.

3. Thoughts are Neurological Events, Not Objective Facts

• The Fact: In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), there is a concept called “Cognitive Defusion.” It teaches that a thought is just a firing of neurons in the brain, not necessarily a reflection of reality or truth.
• The Relief: Just because your brain generates the thought “I am completely alone,” does not make it true. Recognizing that your brain sometimes produces “junk mail” allows you to step back and let a mentor help you sort the lies from God’s truth.

4. Speaking Your Thoughts Aloud Biologically Calms the Brain

• The Fact: Brain imaging studies reveal a phenomenon called “Affect Labeling.” When you put negative feelings or thoughts into words out loud, it decreases activity in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and activates the prefrontal cortex (the logic and reasoning center).
• The Relief: This is the literal neuroscience behind Proverbs 27:17! When you sit down with a mentor and speak your “dull” thoughts out loud, you are biologically turning down your brain’s anxiety response so you can think clearly again.

5. Safe Relationships Chemically Override Anxiety (Co-Regulation)

• The Fact: When humans engage in safe, supportive social connection, the brain releases oxytocin. This powerful neurochemical directly counteracts and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), lowering your heart rate and calming your nervous system.
• The Relief: We are biologically designed for connection. You cannot always regulate your own anxiety in isolation. Borrowing the calm, grounded perspective of a mentor doesn’t just change your mind—it physically alters your brain chemistry and brings your body peace.

Reflection Question

Who is one person in your life that always seems to have a “sharper” or more hopeful perspective than you do? How could you “borrow” their perspective on one thing you are worried about today?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the people You have placed in my life to help me grow. I confess that sometimes I try to stay sharp all on my own, and I end up feeling dull and discouraged. Please help me to find a mentor or a wise friend who can help me see the truth when I am stuck in my own head. Give me the humility to listen and the courage to be sharpened by their wisdom. Amen.

Christian Mental Health Book Recommendations

“Iron Sharpens Iron: 27 Principles for Your Survival” by Orlando J. Robinson – An educational resource that breaks down the practical “how-to” of finding and being a mentor within a faith-based framework. Robinson unpacks the biblical truth that spiritual and emotional isolation keeps our minds “dull,” equipping readers with actionable steps to build authentic, growth-oriented relationships. By outlining clear principles for intentional community, this book empowers you to overcome the anxiety of reaching out and discover the profound resilience that comes from mutual accountability.

“Safe People: How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren’t” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend –A vital guide for learning how to choose the right “sharpener”—someone who is emotionally healthy and safe for your mental well-being. While Proverbs teaches us that we need others to grow, this clinical and biblical roadmap helps you identify the specific character traits of individuals who will truly build you up rather than drain you. By learning to set healthy boundaries and recognize the red flags of unsafe behavior, you can confidently cultivate a supportive network of mentors who offer the secure, Christ-centered perspective you need to heal.

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Closing Thoughts

I hope today’s blog post was not only educational but also helped you draw closer to God. If you or someone you know struggling to find peace and want guidance, please connect with a therapist today! Check out TherapyforChristians.com to get connected with a faith-based provider in your area!

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Think Like Christ Mental Health

Disclaimer

Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for  educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline you all have the best and most blessed day!ensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.