Using Scripture
- jaynegaddy
- Apr 7, 2017
- 2 min read
USING SCRIPTURE...
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)… is a goal-based psychological treatment designed to analyze and assist in changing how clients view their life’s circumstances and challenges.
What does this have to do with using scripture???
The basic principle of CBT is that the way one views a situation
affects how one responds to it... emotionally and behaviorally.
Having negative, even inaccurate or distorted thoughts about a situation can lead to unpleasant emotions and unhelpful behavior. Challenging those thoughts and learning how to “think rightly” can result in positive behavior and changing one’s affect.
There are some ways to challenge and shift our negative thinking.
One way has been addressed in another blog entry: “Celebrating What’s Right.”
Using specific scriptures regarding an issue we are struggling with
and focusing our thoughts on what is true and foundational,
is another approach that can be used to establish “right” and accurate thought patterns.
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Years ago, as part of a therapeutic approach, I taught a mother and five-year-old to use scripture to recite and repeat when dealing with the child’s anxiety that was resulting in a sleep disorder.
The mother shared that her son had not slept through the night since he was born, and with the mother about to give birth to her fourth child she was desperate to help her son learn new ways to battle his anxiety about sleeping…for her son AND for her!
I suggested a structured way to use scriptures specifically related to sleep and anxiety.
The mother and son returned for their next week’s session elated and thankful that “for the first time in five years” the son (and mother) had their first night of uninterrupted sleep.
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Over the years of my being a therapist, I have suggested this use of scripture to countless clients.
Some have experienced immediate change, like this little boy, but most require much discipline and practice to re-train faulty thought patterns in order to experience lasting behavioral and emotional change.
A practical way to use scripture:
Look up a few scriptures regarding what the Bible states in regards to the issue you desire to address.
Write each of the scriptures you find, that resonates with you and your situation, on index cards.
Post them on mirrors, kitchen cabinets, dashboards; carry them with you through your day at work or school in purses, briefcases or backpacks. Surround yourself with the truth.
Use the cards and recite them, even aloud so you hear the words, when your thoughts are taking you on the path of struggle and negativity.
Meditate on the truths. Repeat them as often as needed to shift your thoughts and the resulting peace in your mind and heart is restored.
Recite and use them enough times that you get them inside of you and can bring them to mind without the use of the index cards.
Practice “taking those thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ” (II Cor. 10:5b).
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