“ Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:18-21 ESV.
When I was a child, wearing a seatbelt was a good idea–but not required. Even using children’s car seats was not a law or even common. Recycling pop cans was an option, although recycling was not a big deal for most materials. Now, if we throw a recyclable item in the garbage, we risk bringing ire and judgment raining down on us. Possibly even a passionate recycler will call us out and shame us! And if I ever forget to fasten my seatbelt, a child is sure to point it out. It’s funny how cultural mindsets have changed.
Neuroscience has taught us our thoughts travel along mental roads: A new thought is like walking through a forest without a trail. My first walk creates a new path. Eventually, we find a multi-lane Autobahn where once there was no path! As I think of an idea, review it, and roll it around in my head, that path I make becomes well-travelled, comfortable and more permanent.
Paul said, “We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,” 2 Corinthians.10:5 AMP
By reviewing, pondering, and reciting the Word, we establish paths consistent with God’s thoughts! Further, God uses His Word to shine a light on the direction we should take and where we shouldn’t go fades into the darkness as we avoid it.
Our brain patterns are the results of us travelling those mental pathways many times. Eventually, we don’t even notice how we end up thinking certain things.
Recently, I became aware of patterns of thinking. They are hard for me to notice because the idea is not the same every time, only the pattern. For example, when an opportunity presents itself, I often spend too long pondering the implications and consequences. Eventually, the opportunity is gone, and the tension is lifted but, in its wake, remains disappointment in myself. Our patterns shape how we think, what we think about, how we interpret the Word, and how or if we hear God!
Here are some additional examples:
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In a new social setting, I hang back at first and wait to be addressed. Why?
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When an opportunity comes up, e.g., a speaker asking for a volunteer, I delay thinking up all the possible scenarios of why I shouldn’t go up.
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When speaking, I may start with enthusiasm, but I let it quickly wane.
Here is the problem. To live God’s purpose and plan for me, I need to think bigger, speak with grace, pray boldly, and act accordingly! We are already winners! So, how do we change our patterns?
If these negative patterns are subtle, they are often undetectable yet guide and control our growth. How can we truly see what is required and change where we need it? Our hope lies in Jesus!
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalms 37:23 NLT
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
Often our patterns lead us to diminish God’s plans and desires for us. What if we are praying for funding for our child’s ASD needs, but God wants us to stand on His Word for healing and wholeness for our child? We are praying for a job, and He wants us to start a business. Or we are praying for new clients, and He is calling us to serve our customers like kings and queens, which may lead to amazing referrals. I don’t know what it is for you. However, consider our brain patterns mislead us regarding our mission and calling. We think so small because we don’t wash our minds and speech with God’s Word.
Jesus told the Pharisees, “You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Matthew 12:34 NLT.
“For as he thinks within himself, so is he. He will grudgingly say, ‘Go ahead and eat all you want,’ but in his heart he resents the fact that he has to pay for your meal.” Proverbs 23:7 TPT.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 ESV.
So, we must develop hearing by renewing our minds with the Word. As we reflect on the Word, our mouths speak the Word. Faith is produced in our hearts as we speak the Word.
As one coach says, “We think it, we speak it, we act on it, it happens.”
Prayer Time
What do you need to say to God? What do you want to say to God? What prayer is God hoping, wishing, longing you would pray? Sit quietly, and listen. He is speaking. Speak to Him; He is listening. He desires to connect with you. Be patient and allow His peace to renew your mind.
Liz Bell
“By reviewing, pondering and reciting the Word, we establish the paths, consistent with God’s thoughts.” – love it. I think of what comes into my thoughts first thing in the morning and how those thoughts can establish my day. They used to be so negative, so much of what was not true, so dark. But God, through His Word and Holy Spirit reminds me of all that is in the light. Negative still tries to get in but God’s Word overpowers! … Thank you Brian