Restoring Your Soul - Living a Limitless LifeSample

Thoughts Can Build or Destroy

Dr. Carolyn Leaf discusses the power of our thoughts in her book, Who Switched Off My Brain? She writes, “Thoughts are measurable and occupy mental ‘real estate.’ Thoughts are active; they grow and change. Thoughts influence every decision, word, action, and physical reaction we make. Every time you have a thought, it is actively changing your brain and your body — for better or worse.”

Our human potential and capacity to think and imagine are unparalleled. Often, this capability allows our minds to fall into a trap of futile imaginings and go to negative and emotionally destructive places, as well as to envision the positive.

Any thinking that takes us down the path of rehearsing conversations in our minds, playing out worst-case scenarios, or ruminating on fearful or anxious thoughts will cheat us out of experiencing peace. The what-ifs we entertain will paralyze us when left unchecked, and mindlessly escaping into fantasy keeps us from being emotionally present. Is there any benefit in allowing ourselves to think in these ways? The answer is absolutely not.

Dr Leaf adds, “A massive body of research collectively shows that up to 80% of physical, emotional, and mental health issues today could be a direct result of our thought life.” However, neuroscience has proven that “when we work with how our brains are wired, lasting, life-giving change really is possible.”

Just because we “have” thoughts doesn’t mean we “are” those thoughts. Because our thoughts shape our lives, we can replace disempowering thoughts with constructive ones, which will lead us to freedom in our thinking and change our behavior.

Depending on the depth of the lies you have believed about yourself, you may need to fight to free your mind. You can be defensive and offensive in the battle. You can become aware of intrusive thoughts and stand against them. Transformation will come as you replace lies with truth and allow God’s Word to renew your mind.

I Invite You to Ask Yourself:

1. What thoughts run through my mind most often during the day? Are they primarily positive, negative, or neutral?
2. Do I tend to imagine the best possible outcome or the worst when facing uncertainty?
3. Do I notice repeated “themes” in my thoughts (e.g., fear, self-doubt, criticism, comparison, hope)?
4. Do I tend to overgeneralize (e.g., “This always happens to me” or “I never get it right”)?
5. If my thoughts were spoken aloud to a friend, would they be encouraging or discouraging?
6. Are my thoughts more focused on problems or on possibilities?

I Invite You to Pray:

Lord, help me to become acutely aware of my thoughts so that I can recognize how they are impacting my feelings and actions. Illuminate my mind and heart so I recognize when my thoughts are not from You. I want to renew my mind and be able to think and speak healthy, positive, and uplifting thoughts, regardless of the circumstances I may face. I want my thoughts to promote mental and physical health, rather than negatively impacting the quality of my life. I know that it is Your heart for me and that You will partner with me as I submit my will to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.