I've been going through a bible study this summer called "Get Out of Your Head" by Jennie Allen. It's all about how our negative thought patterns work and how the gospel frees us to choose Jesus-like thoughts (delight, contentment, peaceful silence, trust, etc.). I would recommend this study to any and every person who has ever suffered from spiraling thoughts.
This was the third study of Jennie's that I've done (I say her name like she's my friend because I feel like we've been through a lot together), and I absolutely love the way that she structures her books. Not only does she give excellent biblical advice, but at the end of each session there are a series of "projects" to do throughout the week. This forces me to do the hard work of looking at my own life and applying the concepts that were addressed in the actual bible study.
This summer I have learned just how hard it is to apply and live out truth, and just how easy it is to default back to what's comfortable. It's exhausting at first to interrupt your thoughts, but ends up being the most effective form of self-love.Choosing Jesus' truth over my own emotions is something that does not come naturally, but one day it will.
The last project of the study involved writing a letter to myself about the areas where I want to grow. I came up with a long list of truths that I can easily call to mind, but often struggle to believe. As I was reading the list back to myself, I realized that I'm not the only one who needs to be reminded of the truth.
Let us look back on this list one year, five years, ten years from now and believe with our whole hearts in these truths.
I know that I was created to love and be loved (1 John 4:19).
I know that I am happier when I am serving others, particularly girls (Matthew 23:11).
I know that rest is essential and that I need to carve out time to do that (Matthew 11:28-30).
I know that there is no such thing as balance, and really I just need to prioritize (Mark 12:30).
I know that I have good people in my life who are willing to listen (Hebrews 10:24-25).
I know that asking for help is not weakness but healthy vulnerability (Proverbs 27:17).
I know that the outcome does not determine my value (James 2:24).
I know that my feelings, while valid, are not truth (Proverbs 3:5-6).
I know that God is paying attention to me, even if I don't feel like He is (Psalm 56:8-9).
I know that nothing I do (or don't do) will cause God to love me any less (Romans 8:38-39).
I know that He is hard at work preparing my future (Psalm 16:11).
I know that a relapse or stumble does not mean I'm not making progress (Psalm 37:24).
I know that the enemy is alive and well and hell-bent on destruction (Ephesians 6:11-13).
I know that I am to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
I know that I am beautifully and wonderfully made in Christ's image (Psalm 139:14).
I know that I am not God and therefore not in control (Nehemiah (9:6).
I know that as a child of God I have access to His power (Zechariah 3:7).
I know that prayer works (Matthew 7:7-12).
I know that I am one choice away from rebuilding my thought patterns (Romans 12:2).
I know that God is so, so good (2 Peter 1:3).