Did you know that we have the ability to literally change our physical brain function!?
The way in which we think and speak creates neural pathways in our brain. So many want to go to church on Sunday, hear a little sermon and let that be their Jesus time for the whole week. The rest of the time they are feasting on negativity, self- doubt, criticism, and some even watching and listening to things that are far less than appropriate.
There is a reason God’s word says to meditate on His Word. We were created to have a daily need to fill our mind and heart with His truths. Often we want to take a shortcut or just hope the one off will do it for us. The word meditate means think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. Another version says, to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness. When we meditate on His Word, we are creating a wider neural pathway in our mind which effects our heart, our health and our entire being. When we forge these pathways and they become larger it makes it easier to think about these things again. The more you entertain or think about the same things the wider the road becomes in your mind.
This is why when someone is worried or anxious and they continually feast on the fear, the more fearful they become. If you only spend time on Sundays thinking positive thoughts about God’s goodness but spend the rest of the week in worry, doubt and fear then you will build a 6 lane highway that will be headed straight for the negativity dump where you will get stuck leaving you with a little walking trail to our divine destiny and God’s truth over your life.
Whatever we take time to cultivate in our mind will be the thing that dominates us. When I am at home cooking, cleaning, doing laundry I always try to put on worship music and I let myself go in His presence. What an act of worship, serving my family and loving Jesus in worship at the same time. Now I promise you, I have not always had this attitude, I used to be resentful, frustrated and bitter at times because no one would help. Things have shifted in our house and my attitude has changed because I choose to create some different pathways in my brain. When you are uplifting and full of life, people are attracted to you, my family will often just jump in and help because I am a lot more pleasant to be around. I think they used to just avoid helping to avoid my bad attitude and negativity and I can’t blame them, I would have avoided myself too! Some of my greatest times of worship have been while I am doing stuff around the house. I changed my attitude and mindset that I can spend time with my heavenly Father no matter where I am or what I am doing and He sure has met me there! He doesnt mind the laundry or the dishes!
In Romans 12:2, The Passion Translation says, “Stop Imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformations of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.”
We often try and control those things around us, our families, our circumstances, our lives, even our time. God’s Word gives us control over ourselves not control over others. He’s got our family, our circumstances and does not need our help to be in control. He is waiting to be our Savior. He is waiting for us to acknowledge our fears and have the freedom to say our fears our not in our hands and that my soul is well with You! We have been going through a big transition in our lives and I have had to choose daily to submit control to my Heavenly Father and make sure I am choosing peace and faith in the midst of what feels like potential for chaos, fear and frustration. When we submit our hearts to Him and focus on declaring His Word over our lives then our fears are disarmed – they take a backseat to peace and God’s truth! I have had a peace the last few months in my life that I have NEVER experienced before. It doesn’t mean that I don’t face fear or doubt but every time I see the flashing sign saying detour – exit to fear I choose to stay on the highway of His peace. I am learning to build toward life giving thinking, creating a neural pathway of His Truth in my life that is far bigger than the Negativity Highway I have been on for so long. It is shut down and being ripped apart but at times I am tempted to get back on what feels like the easy road – but honestly the scenery on that road is boring and ugly. I much prefer the beauty I experience on this new road of Life giving power! You can’t trust our fears to lead you to a great final destination, They are not honest and will exaggerate, they do not take your heart into consideration. They do not deserve your deepest parts or your allegiance. Giving your heart and allegiance to your Heavenly Father, to a God who is trustworthy and whose promises are the real deal will lead you to an amazing destination. God is bigger and better that the worst thing you can imagine and He is in control! Choose life, Choose to widen the pathway of Life giving thoughts in your brain! I know you can do it – I did and I felt like an impossible case that could never get off the highway of negativity I had been circling for years lost and feeling totally hopeless. He NEVER gives up on us and is ready for you today! Take time for to be in control of your thoughts and heart – fill it with His truths!
SCRIPTURE STUDY ON DECLARING GOD'S TRUTH
- Psalm 139:5-6
- Romans 12:2
- Phil 4:7
- Proverbs 4:20-23
- Isaiah 26:3
