Don’t Let Negativity Run the Show

Every leader I know hits a ceiling. Sometimes that ceiling is organizational. Sometimes it’s financial. But more often than not—the lid is internal.

Our own insecurity becomes the greatest limiter on our life.

Think about it: what is holding you back today? Is it really your circumstance? Or is it the way you see yourself in the circumstance?

Scripture says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21, NLT).

The words you speak shape the reality you walk in.

But here’s what science now confirms about what Scripture has said for centuries:

Dr. Alex Korb, a neuroscientist at UCLA, has shown that the brain is wired with a negativity bias—negative thoughts stick like Velcro, while positive ones slide off like Teflon. Chris Voss in Never Split the Difference takes it even further: research shows negative thoughts are up to nine times more powerful than positive ones.

That means if you speak “I can’t,” you’ve got nine times the weight to climb out of before you believe “I can.”

So when you say things like:

• “I’m not good enough.”

• “I’ll never measure up.”

• “I don’t have what it takes.”

…you’re reinforcing chains around your future. Insecurity is a cruel master—it doesn’t just whisper lies, it builds cages around your calling.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let negativity have the last word.

Paul reminds us, “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NLT).

That means you can take your thought patterns—your negative, insecure, fear-driven thoughts—and put them under the authority of Jesus.

Action Step: Diffuse the Negative.

Psychologists call this “labeling.” Neuroscience shows that when you simply name your negative thought out loud, you take away its power. Say:

• “That’s insecurity talking.”

• “That’s fear, not faith.”

• “That’s the enemy’s lie, not God’s truth.”

The act of naming a thought disrupts its emotional grip. Then you replace it with Scripture. For example:

• “I’m not enough.” → “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT).

• “I can’t do this.” → “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13, NLT).

Renewal starts in your thought life. Then it flows out through your words.

So I’ll ask again: what is holding you back? Is it really the obstacle—or the voice inside your head?

Don’t let insecurity be the lid on your life. Diffuse the negative, speak God’s truth, and rise into the full measure of your calling.

The lid isn’t out there. It’s in here. And it’s time to break it.

Pastor, I’d love for you to join me for a FREE Pastors Information Breakfast on Wednesday, October 1 at 10:00AM at Saints Church – Glastonbury. We’ll be sharing details about the Victorious Festival, a city-wide crusade coming to the Edmonton Expo Centre on September 26, 2026 with Will Graham, Tauren Wells, and Taya.

There’s no financial ask—only an invitation to bring your church, promote the event, and encourage your people to invite unsaved friends and family. Every participating church will receive follow-up lists of new believers in their geographic area. It would mean so much to me personally if you could join us and hear more about how together we can reach the Edmonton Region for Jesus.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Cheering you on!