Empty Out the Negative: Make Room for More Joy, Greater Confidence, and New Levels of Influence

by Joel Osteen

Release the negative thoughts and feelings that are weighing you down and make room for the good things you should have in your life with #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen.
You were created to be filled with joy, peace, confidence, and creativity. But it's easy to go through life holding on to things that weigh you down-guilt, resentment, doubt, worry. When you give space to these negative emotions, they take up space that you need for the good things that move you toward your destiny.
How much room are you giving to shame, to regret, to being against yourself? Whatever it is, it's too much. Life is too short for you to live bitter and discouraged, letting your circumstances hold you back. Every morning you have to empty out anything negative from the day before and put on a fresh new attitude. Power up and get your mind going in the right direction, and you'll step into all the new things God has in store for you.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Christian, Audiobook, Inspirational, Faith, Religion

Audible Audio

Published November 10, 2020

About the author

JOEL OSTEEN is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers. He is the senior pastor of America's largest congregation, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. More than 45,000 people attend services there every week. His televised messages are seen by more than 10 million viewers each week in the United States, and millions more in 100 nations around the world. His 24-hour channel on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and millions of social media followers have prompted numerous publications to name him as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world. He resides in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children.

Reviews

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In difficult times it's tempting to get sour and say, "I don't understand it. I was doing the right thing, being my best, and this setback came out of nowhere." You have to do as Job did and draw a line in the sand and say, "I am not going to go through life with a bad attitude. I'm not going to let what's happened to me, what didn't work out, or who did me wrong keep me from becoming who I was created to be. Father, thank You that You're fighting my battles. You being for me is more than the world being against me." That's what allows God to bring you out better. But too often we're holding on to hurts, disappointments, and things we don't understand. This poisons our attitude, takes our passion, and makes us negative and critical. You have to let it go and quit going back to it. It's over and done. Move forward." (Joel Osteen, Empty Out the Negative)

As the title of this book suggests, this book is about emptying out the negative and filling ourselves with the positive or right thinking and right people in our lives. He teaches that if you dwell on negative thoughts, these thoughts will draw in more negative: more fear, more worry, and more defeat.

We all have had bad things happen to us; however, none of these bad things can keep us from our destiny. He says, "When thoughts tell you, You've been through too much. You lost a loved one. The business didn't make it. Your friend walked out on you. Nothing good is in your future, don't believe those lies. Get in tune with God and say, "Father, thank You that You have beauty for these ashes. Thank You that what was meant for my harm, You're turning to my advantage." When you're in tune with God, He'll pay you back for the wrongs. The prophet Isaiah says, "He will give you double for the unfair things that happened." Instead of thinking you've seen your best days, you can say, "Lord, thank You that double is coming. Thank You that my latter days will be better than my former days." The author teaches that God wouldn't have allowed these bad things in your life if He wasn't somehow going to use them for your advantage.

To sum up, this book is about switching from negative thoughts, negative people to positive thoughts, Biblical thoughts, and people who will pull you up higher. This is a perfect time to do this, just before the new year!

[Isabelle reads a book a day because she has no friends · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm. This is my first work from Osteen. Learning that he is a televangelist makes so much sense in hindsight. Theologically speaking, I do not agree with everything in this book. As far as your basic inspirational “change your thinking, change your life” self-help book, it was great, but this is very rooted in the prosperity gospel, which I do not believe in. I am (only slightly) surprised that more people are not critiquing this aspect.
Some of the analogies are amazing and good food for thought. However the more I read, the more I realized this book wasn’t entirely rooted in truth, and it was quite repetitive for its short length. When I started this I thought it would be a 5-star read and I wanted to recommend this to my family, but I soon began rethinking that.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Joel Osteen's latest book. I like that he is always positive and that he focuses on uplifting thoughts and ideas. The world definitely needs that. I've read a few of his books and I have seen a few of his sermons. He can certainly pump up a crowd.

All listeners have the freedom to get their own 'take-away ideas' from what the message means to them. What I miss though, is the feeling you get when you are having a personal 'get real' conversation with a leader/mentor. Not a deal breaker by any means. This author has found his niche and he does it well.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. My only issue was that the message was repetitive. I believe that this book is based on recordings from Osteen's sermons because I have heard the same messages in the book, word for word, in his sermons. The message is important, especially for those who have not heard his sermons, and a good reminder for those of us that have.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are not living our best life peacefully if we are weighed down by resentment, guilt, worrying about everything. This book shows you how to empty out all the negative and leave it behind. Very positive, encouraging and heartwarming. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Paige Kinstler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life! Strong Christian values applied to real life. I actually borrowed this book from my library and ended up buying my own copy so I can reread when I need to be reminded of the lessons and write/highlight in it.

[W. Whalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and Full of God-Driven Insight

Our world is full of negativity. Just turn on the news to catch some of it. In EMPTY OUT THE NEGATIVE, Joel Osteen gives us personal insights combined with Bible teaching to help readers change their focus from the negative to the positive. “David says in Psalm 103, ‘God fills my life with good things so I stay young and strong.’” (Page 4) Pastor Osteen explains if your life is full of negative, then there is no room for the good things from God.

EMPTY OUT THE NEGATIVE is packed with application for every reader. I recommend this easy to read and timely book.

W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his latest 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Empty out the Negative....short, inspiring book that references scripture in relation to daily life and provides ways of boosting positivity for individuals.

[Shachia · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPER HELPFUL for this season that I'm in. I would recommend this for anyone in need of a change in their mindset or going through life transitions.

[Mark Dunker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have several friends who love Joel Osteen, so after hearing about him (and talking about him for years), I decided to listen to a book to see if it would be as bad as I thought. It wasn't...it was far worse.

First, the good. Osteen is encouraging and positive. The idea that it's good to think about positive things is something I could agree with.

The Bad? Wow. Very bad interpretations of the Bible (the few times he used the Bible). (One example: why did Jesus forgive from the cross? To give us an example of releasing the negative. Really? That's why?)

There is also an incredible amount about physical attractiveness and how important that is. One illustration was about a woman who was, frankly, physically unattractive, but that it was ok, because she was attractive inside. It was painful.

What is so damaging about this book is how God is referenced several times, but He seems to only exist to serve us. At one point, Osteen said (not a direct quote) "before you start your day and check your email or the news,"...and I thought, "pray?...Yeah, that would be a good way to start the day. But then he finished: "before you start your day and check your email or the news, think power thoughts."

How does someone think power thoughts and empty out the negative? The answer is 100% about what the person can do. Either God is powerless to help or completely irrelevant.

As a self-help book, it's maybe not horrible...it's good not to get weighed down by negative thoughts. If he never mentioned God or the Bible, maybe it wouldn't have been so painful to read.

The prosperity gospel (and this book falls firmly in that teaching) centers on us and sees God as simply a tool or servant for us to use to get what we want. Joel Osteen's God is far too small. For people reading this book, I wonder if they will come away with a diminished view of God (if they even think about God at all).

Osteen teaches us that More Joy, Greater Confidence, and New Levels are Influence are available inside of us. We can empty out the negative on our own...there is no need for God.

[Maryalene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift, and this is the first time I have ever read something by Joel Osteen. His theology seems to be a Christian version of the Law of Attraction with God as a magic genie waiting to grant our every wish.

While I have serious concerns with Osteen's church teachings, I do think he could make a great self-help/motivational speaker. I liked his core messages of positive thinking, looking to the future instead of the past and surrounding yourself with positive people. Unfortunately, this book is so poorly written that it was a bit painful to get through.

Osteen might have written this book himself, but I would assume it was ghostwritten. In that case, it feels like whoever wrote it just phoned this one in. From the rambling, repetitive text, I wonder if the basis of the book was a few Osteen's sermons that had been transcribed. And I've never read a Christian book where Scripture verses were not cited. We hear a lot of "Saint Paul says" or "Scripture says" but specific verses are almost never included. That feels lazy at best. Sometimes, after a verse is shared, Osteen goes on to explain what God was saying/doing there, and those interpretations often feel like a stretch.

After hearing so much about Osteen, I was glad to finally have a chance to read something by him. Unfortunately, theology issues aside, this book probably could have been condensed to a blog post and been more effective in conveying its message.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read or listen to Joel regularly, this is not going to be anything that you haven't heard before. A bit repetitive, but a good reminder on how to think and speak and not let the boundaries others have placed on us interfere with reaching our full potential.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm currently reading this book, but I'm excited about it and wanted to post my review based on the first few chapters. This is a much-needed book, particularly for this year!

I've read a number of Joel's book, and I always find them encouraging and inspiring. This one was no exception. It always feels like I'm chatting with Joel over a hot cup of tea (since I don't like coffee!). He makes the reader feel like he's a good friend speaking right to them, right where they are.

Today's society is full of negativity. It bombards us daily, from social media to the newspapers to TV. It's hard to stay positive when you take that in on a regular basis.

This book is a bit shorter than some of Osteen's prior books, but it's still filled with wisdom and encouragement. It's one I'll likely read through more than once. There are practical tips for identifying and removing negativity from your life. I'm a Type A, anxious person to begin with, so this book is just what I needed to read! I can't wait to put some of the tips into action to help stop the anxious thoughts from the get-go.

Chapters include: Empty Out the Negative, Power Thinking, A Fresh Attitude, Drop It, The Right Recording, and The Power of the Soil.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

- "You control what you think about and what you choose to allow in."
- "You weren't created to carry around guilt, regret, bitterness, and anger--that poisons your life."
- "Don't go through life looking in the rearview mirror, being down on yourself, living in regrets."
- "Are your thoughts helping you or hurting you?"
- "If you don't set the tone for the day, negative thoughts will do it for you."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent! I was surprised by how uplifting and practical this was. I read a review that said it was prosperity gospel, but I did not find that to be true. Osteen used scriptures throughout, and focused on encouraging readers to believe the scriptures, and keep a positive attitude that God is able to do what He says He will do in our lives. There was a heavy focus on letting go of negative thoughts, bitterness and resentment and filling out minds and spirits with the hope for believers in Christ. It is no secret that if we focus on the negative our lives will take a downward turn, and a positive attitude can set us on an upward path. Positive thinking and a healthy frame of mine is not name it and claim it, it is proven and founded in scripture.

I really loved that this audiobook was read by Joel Osteen himself. I didn't know he is quite funny at times! I found it to be a great option for audiobook because I played it in the morning at the start of my day and I felt like hearing someone talk to me and encourage me at the start out the day helped me to set my attitude in the right direction for the day. Also, he said something interesting near the end of the book along the lines of, we all need people in our lives who encourage us and speak life to and over us. I do not have any of those people in real life, so having it come through audiobook seems to be the next best thing. I'm going to listen to more of his books on audiobook in the future.

[Chelsea Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good read from Joel Osteen, full of positivity and a fair scattering of scriptures and stories. It's much shorter than his other books and quite similar to them, hence the lower rating. The unfortunate thing with books like this in general is that they can seem a bit easy or even trite when you're in difficult times. It's a solid and uplifting read, but it's not particularly practical. Having said that it's generally another good work from Mr Osteen with his typical brand of optimism and kindness.

[Bookish Devil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Uplifting

[Alan Tomkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring and uplifting book about the power of choosing your perspective. A quick and pleasant read.

[Brenda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally quite enjoyed this book and read it daily for a feeling of positive energy and peacefulness. It can’t hurt to have a positive mindset. Joel reminds of this.

[Dayle Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good retrain your thinking to make a difference, with scripture to back it up.

[Jay Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Gave me a lot to think about and strategies to live a better life.

[Dr. Angelina Thomas Villikudathil (Ph.D.) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my next favourite books by Joel Osteen practical strategies to overcome negative thinking. I would have to read this book again to reflect on the pointers taught in this book. Well written and the most useful book for me at this stage of my life to stay positive and encouraged during job hunting.

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, quick read. Same encouragement. Same stories. If you’ve read one Osteen book, you’ve read them all. I love it though!

[Sandy King · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its just like one of his programs just watch him on TV.

[Tom Kang · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my first Joel Osteen book, and will be my last.

I bought this book because it was recommended to me on Kindle. I've read a fair share amount of self help books and I haven't come across one that talks about negativity specifically, so I thought it would be an interesting book to read. I went on Amazon and checked the ratings and the they were stunning: an average of 4.5 stars. I was hooked! I immediately downloaded the book onto my Kindle and started reading. (I was pretty excited to learn about negative emotions and the ratings convinced me that this would be a great book, and paid no attention to the little reviews it had. Lesson learned: always read the sample before buying any book)

One chapter in, and I just couldn't stand it anymore. All my expectations were shattered and became fuel for my anger. I couldn't believe I spent 10 bucks on this book; I probably would have gotten more satisfaction by throwing 10 dollars worth of quarters into a wishing pond. There was no compelling stories, no concrete examples or data about negative emotions, but just pages and pages about how "god" will help you get through tough situations and feelings. I am almost certain that the word god appears every two pages. How do you expect to change readers perspective when the only argument you provide is "have faith"?

I don't understand where the good reviews are coming from. I read through most of the reviews on Amazon, only to realize that a lot of them are just fanboying over Joel Osteen, praising how good his previous books were and this one is no exception. Reading through the reviews made me feel like I was reading some secret religious cult forum online. Or maybe I'm too "negative" to absorb anything out of this wonderful book that other people praise it to be.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a timely manner to bring this book on my three day Silent retreat. Joel Osteen gives us ways in which we let go of our burdens and bad thoughts so we can live a better life for Christ. This book was highlighted many different times. It felt like you were sitting across from him on the couch and he was telling you things that had happened to him, or people from from congregation. If you need help with gaining confidence or eating things go, this book is for you.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empty Out the Negative: Make Room for More Joy, Greater Confidence, and New Levels of Influence by Joel Osteen
Publisher: FaithWords
Genre: Christian
Release Date: November 10, 2020

Empty Out the Negative is a book about removing the negative from our lives by Joel Osteen.

I’ve been a fan of Joel Osteen for years and appreciate his positive messaging. I’ve read most of his other books and this one is on par with the previous ones!

I love how his style of writing feels like he is talking to you over a cup of coffee, like we are old friends and he is offering his support and wisdom.

I truly appreciate the use of stories from the bible, his life and those around him to demonstrate the lessons.

This was a quick read and definitely worth the time. The book is filled with some great tips for identifying and removing the negative from your life and served as a reminder to me to stop some my anxious thoughts before they can take over.

I'm so grateful to Joel Osteen, FaithWords, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Di · Rating 1 out of 5]

He looks like a sheep, but underneath, he is a ravenous wolf! It's all phony. He is deceiving God's people. He starts out with pretending to pursue God, and end with his real goal for you- focus on success. Read KUNDALINI WARNING - Are False Spirits Invading the Church? By Andrew Strom. God showed me that Word of Faith is operated by the Kundalini spirit. Joel is a false prophet. This is a powerful spirit. It's a test. Read your bible. Kundalini twists the Word of God. Word of Faith tells you you need to tithe in order to be blessed. But where should you tithe? Is it definitely Joel? Do you believe in the fruits of their ministry? So he can get even richer while you stay poor. Does he not know what he is telling you is a lie? Or it's always God's will to give you wealth and health. What about Job? His story is our story, that we will lose things in this life. Doesn't mean we don't have enough faith. Read Jesus Goes To McDonald's by Luiz Alexandre Solano Rossi. Having a great life is a lie. When you become a Christian, the devil is after you. Everyday a battle, not a cushion. Or not to question those in positions of spiritual power. Yet Paul called out false teachers! Word of Faith movement is a bunch of garbage. If you accept it, you will, like me, have years of struggle, where you are looking for a "sign" God is with you. The only sign is His Word! They talk about not being "religious," as if an empty undiscerning mind ready to accept false doctrines is the Way to accept God. You must hold on to the true doctrine. Matthew 24:10-13 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Once saved, always saved is a lie. To be saved, you must confess you are a sinner, that you put your trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior and will submit to Him in all things, including every part of your life, and with His help, that you will stop sinning. The deception here is really great! The manipulation is subtle, but with the Holy Spirit's help you can detect it. Truth mixed with lies is LIES. The positivity, the blabbing out promises without faith, the holding God hostage- Sure you can hold God hostage, but will He really find no falsehood among you? Joel Osteen is bewitching you, and lulling you to sleep. Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB4QF.... See if these teachings really stand up to the light of the Word of God.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing much new in this book. Very redundant and little insight.

[Crystal Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy listen/read. Lots of examples to drive his point home in each chapter. Some notes from each chapter below:

1- Get the negative out of your mind so you can make room for the positive. If you’re full of negative there’s no room for the good.

2- Your life follows your thoughts. Think power thoughts, not limiting thoughts. Victory starts in your mind. Dwell on thoughts that empower, that grows your faith. Your thoughts run your life. You thoughts chooses what direction your life goes. Dwell on what God says about you and wants for you.

Goodness and mercy follow me!

The battle takes place in your mind. Yes this problem is big I am armed with strength, this came to past, God never gives me what I can’t handle!

Focus on can do, not can’t do thoughts.

3- Attitude is your choice. Focus on the good. Can’t be both pitiful and powerful at same time. Put on fresh new attitude daily. Bad attitude follows you around, so doesn’t matter where you go.

Find what’s right, not what’s at fault. Clean your internal window. Create Habit of seeing good, if you have a habit of seeing bad (being critical/complaining). Focus on what’s right is cleaning your window. Make up your mind today will be a good day.

We can all find reasons to live a sour life, release those tough times and keep you from seeing the new things God has in store for you.

4- Stop reliving the negative wether it was 20 years ago or 20 minutes ago. Let your baggage go. Leave it behind. Baggage can become your identity. You were hurt once don’t let it keep hurting you! Do your part and drop it, God will help with the rest.

****You’re not defined by your past you’re Prepared for you past!****

Living guilty doesn’t make you feel any better so drop it.

Say “no thank you” or “delete” when you’re tempted to go to the bad past.

5- There is a seed of greatness within you. Start to See self as God sees you. The enemy wants you to feel bad about yourself, God wants you to feel good.

6- Create the right soil (environment). Who you’re around, what you’re exposed to, being challenged, etc.

[Morgan (MoMo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

•Loved this book. Very empowering.
•I have always enjoyed books like this that lift you up and motivate you.
•“Drop it, Leave it, Let it go”
•“Negative words spoken over you only have power if you give them power”
•This book was a great reminder that we can’t control other people but we can control ourselves and how we treat ourselves and our mind.
•Highly recommend! I really enjoyed this book. It was a really quick read, but lots of good info.