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The body has so many amazing parts it would be hard to choose just one to talk about. But the one that instantly comes to mind is the brain.
The brain has many functions. But one of the most fascinating is how we remember things.
When we learn something—even as simple as someone’s name—we form connections between neurons in the brain.
These connections create new circuits between nerve cells, essentially remapping the brain.
The connectors get stronger or weaker, depending on how many times we expose our brain to the memory.
Why would this be important? Because the writer of Proverbs said,
“As a person thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Proverbs 23:7
What you think about over and over again becomes stronger in your heart and in your brain.
If you play old hurts over and over again, you will hurt more. It will only take the tiniest reminder for you to instantly feel the hurt, rejection, anger or any number of other negative emotions.
By the same token, if you think about good things over and over again, you will feel more gratitude and contentment. It will take the tiniest reminder to bring you to that place of Joy.
So how do we rewire our brains if we already have a bunch of negative memories stored there?
We cannot sit at our computers and type the same thing over and over again and wish it would go away. We have to do something to make it go away.
First we have to stop typing it again and again. With our brain, we have to recognize we do not want to think about this any more and make a conscious decision to stop it.
Paul says,
“We pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against The Knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
So first we need to recognize any obstacle to The Joy and Peace God wants to give us.
Capture it. Throw it out. Say, “As God is My Helper, I am not recycling this anymore.”
But, of course, you already know it is not quite that easy. Your brain already has ruts so to speak, where you have recycled those negative thoughts over and over again.
You will have to fill those spaces. But with what? Any cheery stuff you come up with isn’t going to work. It simply cannot hold up the weight of the world that will try to roll over it.
So what can you use? Something that is stronger than your own thoughts. God’s Word!
Paul said,
“For The Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is The Ultimate Authority.
It is alive.
It is active.
It is sharp.
It is penetrating.
It can cut through any negative thoughts you have.
If you want to establish new connections in your brain, regularly connect with The One Who made your brain and your heart and every part of you.
Find every uplifting scripture you can. Write them down. Read them out loud every day.
When a negative thought comes, choose to reject it. Instead reach for The Words of God. Read them out loud as many times as it takes to make those new connections.
God will lead you to what He wants you to know. And He will add to it.
Here are just a few to get you started.
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
I have loved you with an everlasting Love.
Jeremiah 31:3
I will never leave you or forsake you.
Hebrews 13:6
I will not forget you.
Isaiah 49:13
In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy.
Psalm 16:11
I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.
John 15:11
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Be sure of this. I am with you always!
Matthew 2:20
