Stinking Thinking
Just as we avoid a skunk’s stinking spray, we want to avoid stinking thinking. We accomplish nothing when we focus on messages like:
- Woe is me.
- I’m awful.
- You’re awful.
- The whole world is awful.
- Life is awful.
- Nothing will ever get better.
Do you see a pattern here?
Stinking thinking means negative thinking.
We see only the wrong, never the right. Everything and everyone ruffle our feathers.
Rather than happy-go-lucky we remain:
- Pessimistic
- Down in the dumps
- Certain of failure
Focused on problems, our outlook grows progressively worse.
*Stinking thinking can lead to emotional problems.
After long stretches of negative self-talk, we have a tough time changing. Our thinking, feelings, and actions grow worse. As our stress level increases, tolerance decreases.
God offers a better life.
The one and only God who created the world created us. God also:
- Loves us
- Has a special plan for us
- Forgives us when we repent of our wrongs
- Gives eternal life and a home in heaven to all who follow Jesus
That should give us a positive outlook on life. Don’t you agree?
“Their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21 NIV).
Thanks to Becky Nash Rowe for the suggestion. Photo by Jack Bulmer on Pexels.
Do you have other examples of stinking thinking or an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.
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*Seek professional help if needed to overcome extreme negative thought patterns.
8 thoughts on “Stinking Thinking”
Or as I tell my students, Stinking thinking leads to nasty actions.
I wish I had known that statement when I was writing this post, Martin. So true and to the point. Thank you.
Negative attitudes and actions do not do us any favors and certainly stink up our surroundings. Blessings, Diana!
So true, Martha. I pray you enjoy a day filled with and surrounded by positive thoughts, feelings, and actions.
I pray that when “stinking thinking” tries to take over my thoughts, I will pause and pray for God’s help.
Great message.
Have a blessed day!
Thank you, Melissa. That’s a frequent prayer of mine too. Blessings.
I’ve had a small dose of “stinkin’ thinkin'” this week. Thanks for the reminder that God has a plan for me and it doesn’t include me putting myself down or giving up on important goals. Thank you, Diana.
I hear you, Katherine. It’s so easy to get caught up in the negatives, isn’t it? Praying you enjoy a great rest of the week. Thank you.