Stop Feeding the Monsters

 Reclaim Your Mind and Let God’s Peace Reign

Have you ever noticed that when you constantly dwell on negative thoughts or painful memories, they seem to grow and take on a life of their own? Like a seed planted in barren soil, what you focus on multiplies—whether it’s fear, criticism, judgment, or hurt.

The Bible teaches us a powerful truth: “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). In other words, the thoughts we entertain shape our character and ultimately our destiny.

When we ruminate on past injustices, replay hurtful words, or obsess over perceived failures, we are essentially feeding the monsters within our minds. These “monsters” manifest as anger, anxiety, and resentment, and they slowly choke out the presence of God’s joy in our lives.

Instead of moving forward, we end up trapped in an endless loop of negative self-talk and emotional turmoil. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:39 to “turn the other cheek” and not repay evil with evil—an invitation to break free from the cycle of vengeance and bitterness.

Consider this: every time you replay a painful memory or overanalyze a mistake, you’re giving those feelings more power over you. It’s like hanging a poster of a terrifying monster on your wall and cringing every time you pass by, as comedian and spiritual teacher Kyle Cease once illustrated.

Our fears and hurt, when magnified by our own attention, become larger than life. They rob us of peace and rob our hearts of the fullness that God has promised.

So, how can we stop feeding these monsters? The first step is awareness. Notice when negative thoughts start to take root. Often, you’ll feel it in your body—tension, tightness in your chest, or a surge of anger. These are signs that you are caught in a cycle of negative thinking.

Instead of letting these thoughts dictate your emotions, take them captive with God’s Word. Scripture reminds us that “we can make every thought captive to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Here are five Practical steps to break the cycle:

1. Create a Daily Anchor Phrase: Choose a short Bible verse or affirming statement—such as “I am complete in Christ” or “God’s peace guards my heart”—and repeat it throughout the day. Let this be your mental “stop sign” whenever you feel negative thoughts creeping in.

2. Cultivate Mindful Reflection: Set aside a few moments each day to journal. Write down any recurring negative thoughts or memories. Then, counter them with Scripture. Ask yourself, “What truth does God’s Word offer me in this situation?”

3. Create Time for Intentional Silence and Prayer: In our noisy world, finding moments of quiet can be revolutionary. Carve out a time each day to sit in silence, inviting God’s presence into your mind and heart.As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This stillness helps dissolve the power of the negative narratives you’ve been feeding.

4. Develop Rituals and Routines: Create daily rituals that ground you in God’s love. Whether it’s a morning devotional, a peaceful walk in nature, or an evening reflection, consistent routines provide structure and prevent the mind from wandering into harmful territory. In addition to rituals, create a sacred space in a part of your home that include materials, devotionals, flowers, candles, and even a meditation cushion, that reminds you of your commitment to your mental and spiritual health.

5. Seek Out Community Support: Sometimes, sharing your struggles with a trusted friend or mentor can provide clarity and relief. Don’t isolate yourself with your negative thoughts—instead, allow God to work through the encouragement of others.

By choosing to stop feeding the monsters, you reclaim your mind and your heart. When you cease to magnify negative thoughts, you allow God’s truth to fill the space. Trust in His promise from Philippians 4:13 that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Let this be your call to action: guard your thoughts, take every negative narrative captive, and replace it with the peace and joy that only Christ can provide. Your journey to wholeness begins when you decide to feed your mind with His truth rather than the destructive stories of the past.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions, my 40-Day Biblical Soul Reset program can guide you toward mental, emotional, and spiritual renewal. Learn More.