Week 4: Thought Patterns

Opening verse:

John 14:27 ESV - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

1 minute pause

Open in prayer

Discussion

Thought patterns are similar to personal beliefs in that they both mentally war inside us. But thoughts are very different in that they tend to happen quickly, automatically, and uniquely to each person’s situation.

Not every thought is unhelpful. In fact some thoughts can prompt us to search for answers and take actions that are actually very good for us. But unhelpful thoughts cause us to react in negative ways. Most of our automatic thoughts come from the root thought patterns• below:

1. Seeing things in extreme terms

2. Thinking the way we want things to be is the way they ought to be

3. Believing that one instance applies to every situation

4. Thinking a situation is much worse than it is

5. Minimizing evidence that contradicts one’s negative automatic thoughts

6. Assuming our feelings convey useful information

7. Making predictions based on scant information

8. Assuming we know what someone else is thinking

9. Thinking events that have nothing to do with us are actually about us

10. Expecting to reach a certain outcome based on our actions or position

11. Giving outside factors the final say regarding our emotions

12. Believing we have less power than we actually do

13. Believing we have more power than we actually do

Taken from ‘Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple’ by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD

The Bible says: “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV). Also, take a look at the verse we read previously: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) The key isn’t minimizing our thoughts. It’s owning them, evaluating them, and inviting God to give us wisdom and strength to align our thinking with his.

Identifying your thought patterns

Look through this list and identify one thought pattern you lean toward the most. After that, rate the extremity of that thought pattern on a scale of 1 to 10.

Group questions about each thought pattern

When you think about this thought pattern, where do you think it’s coming from?

What are you noticing about its effect on you?

What do you think God is making known to you?

Read:

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 ESV

How do you want to respond to this thought pattern?