Faith-Based CBT ANT Therapy Worksheet

Faith-Based CBT ANT Therapy Worksheet

Correcting the Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) That Steal Your Joy

The Bible reminds us that our thoughts shape our lives: "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). When negative thoughts creep in, they can steal our joy and distort our perception of reality. Through faith-based ANT therapy, we can renew our minds with God’s truth (Romans 12:2) and take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Understanding Your Thoughts

1. Every thought releases chemicals in your brain. Negative thoughts produce stress, while positive thoughts lead to peace and joy.

2. Negative thoughts impact your emotions and body. When you dwell on fear, anger, or sadness, your body responds with tension, increased heart rate, and anxiety.

3. Positive, faith-filled thoughts bring healing. When you meditate on God’s truth, your body relaxes, and you experience His peace (Philippians 4:8).

4. Thoughts influence reality. Our beliefs shape our actions and emotions. God calls us to align our thoughts with His promises rather than our fears.

5. Not all thoughts are true. The enemy is called "the father of lies" (John 8:44). If we don’t challenge our negative thoughts, we may believe lies about ourselves, others, or even God.

6. You have the power to change your thoughts. Scripture teaches us to renew our minds daily (Romans 12:2). Through practice, we can replace harmful thoughts with biblical truth.

Nine Types of ANTs & Biblical Responses

1. All-or-Nothing Thinking: "If I fail, I’m worthless."

   • Biblical Truth: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

2. "Always" Thinking: "Nothing ever goes right for me."

   • Biblical Truth: "The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing." (Psalm 23:1)

3. Focusing on the Negative: "This situation is hopeless."

   • Biblical Truth: "With God, all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

4. Fortune-Telling: "This will never work out."

   • Biblical Truth: "For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

5. Mind Reading: "They don’t really like me."

   • Biblical Truth: "People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

6. Thinking with Feelings: "I feel like a failure, so I must be one."

   • Biblical Truth: "There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

7. Guilt Beatings: "I should be a better Christian."

   • Biblical Truth: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

8. Labeling: "I’m a terrible person."

   • Biblical Truth: "We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works." (Ephesians 2:10)

9. Blame: "It’s all their fault."

   • Biblical Truth: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged." (Luke 6:37)

ANT-Killing Exercise

1. Identify the negative thought.

   • Example: "I’ll never succeed."

2. Determine the type of ANT.

   • Example: "Always" Thinking

3. Challenge the thought with biblical truth.

   • Truth: "God will complete the good work He started in me." (Philippians 1:6)

5 Questions to Freedom (Inspired by Philippians 4:8)

1. Is this thought true? (Does it align with Scripture?)

2. Can I be absolutely sure it’s true? (Or am I making assumptions?)

3. How does this thought make me feel? (Does it bring peace or anxiety?)

4. Who would I be without this thought? (Would I act differently?)

5. What is a Christ-centered way to reframe this thought? (How does God see me?)

Core Belief Exercise (Identifying and Replacing Lies with Truth)

1. Write down a recurring negative thought.

   • Example: "I’m not worthy of love."

2. Ask: What does this thought say about me?

   • Example: "I feel unlovable."

3. Ask: What is the deeper belief behind this?

   • Example: "I don’t deserve love."

4. Find a biblical truth to counter the lie.

   • Biblical Truth: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14)

Core Fear Exercise (Identifying and Surrendering Fear to God)

1. Write down a fear that burdens you.

   • Example: "I’m afraid of failure."

2. Ask: What’s the worst that could happen?

   • Example: "I might lose my job."

3. Keep asking "What’s the worst that could happen?" until you reach the core fear.

   • Example: "I won’t be able to provide for my family, and we’ll suffer."

4. Find a biblical promise that addresses this fear.

   • Biblical Truth: "God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." (Philippians 4:19)

Final Encouragement

Romans 12:2 reminds us to "be transformed by the renewing of our minds." With practice, prayer, and Scripture, you can break free from negative thinking and embrace God’s truth.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me." (Psalm 28:7)

Choose today to replace ANTs with faith-filled thoughts, and experience the peace and joy that come from trusting in Christ!