Nehemiah : WK 5 - THU
Rehearsing the Negative
Nehemiah 4:11-12
Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.”
The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!”
Nehemiah’s team faces formidable enemies. It isn’t clear whether Sanballat and his crew will carry out their threats of violence or if they are merely trying to intimidate the builders. However, their comments have captured the imaginations of the Jews themselves.
Sharing negative news can be irresistible, even when it’s frightening. Did you hear…? The portion of the 12th verse translated as “again and again” is more literally “10 times over” in the original Hebrew. On ten separate occasions, these messengers come to repeat the memo. They rehearse the terrible news over and over like a funereal chant: “We’re gonna die, we’re all gonna die.”
This is dangerous. Unless quickly interrupted, negative talk can become habitual. Neuroscientists suggest that repeated negative thinking creates neural pathways predisposed to sadness, distortions of truth, and a downward cycle of negativity. These cycles take a toll on our physical, emotional, and social health. The Biblical principle, “By beholding we become changed,” is both a promise and a warning.
What should we do when members of our own team adopt negative patterns? We can interrupt this cycle by replacing it with scriptural promises and prayer, remembering the blessings of God through the spiritual discipline of gratitude, embracing preparation and effective planning, and surrounding ourselves with positive thinkers. By engaging in these habits, we safeguard our hearts and minds against the subtle takeover of the enemy.
We should not ignore danger, threats, or problems. However, we must devote extra energy to preventing them from becoming the soundtrack of our lives. As Philippians 4:8 says:
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Nehemiah 4:11-12
Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.”
The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!”
Nehemiah’s team faces formidable enemies. It isn’t clear whether Sanballat and his crew will carry out their threats of violence or if they are merely trying to intimidate the builders. However, their comments have captured the imaginations of the Jews themselves.
Sharing negative news can be irresistible, even when it’s frightening. Did you hear…? The portion of the 12th verse translated as “again and again” is more literally “10 times over” in the original Hebrew. On ten separate occasions, these messengers come to repeat the memo. They rehearse the terrible news over and over like a funereal chant: “We’re gonna die, we’re all gonna die.”
This is dangerous. Unless quickly interrupted, negative talk can become habitual. Neuroscientists suggest that repeated negative thinking creates neural pathways predisposed to sadness, distortions of truth, and a downward cycle of negativity. These cycles take a toll on our physical, emotional, and social health. The Biblical principle, “By beholding we become changed,” is both a promise and a warning.
What should we do when members of our own team adopt negative patterns? We can interrupt this cycle by replacing it with scriptural promises and prayer, remembering the blessings of God through the spiritual discipline of gratitude, embracing preparation and effective planning, and surrounding ourselves with positive thinkers. By engaging in these habits, we safeguard our hearts and minds against the subtle takeover of the enemy.
We should not ignore danger, threats, or problems. However, we must devote extra energy to preventing them from becoming the soundtrack of our lives. As Philippians 4:8 says:
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
- Who is your favorite person to spend time with when you need a boost of positivity?
- What Bible promise do you turn to for encouragement?
- What negative thoughts often come to mind? Consider turning them over to Jesus and releasing them.
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