I love research. I am fascinated by reading studies, looking at data, and learning from those who have much more expertise than I do. So often, I see how research points to the truth of a Creator and how Biblical principles can be supported by science. Recently, I have been learning more about how our brains can be changed by readjusting our thoughts. Countless studies support that reframing our thinking to focus on positivity increases our productivity, reduces stress, improves our relationships, and allows us to have a happier and more satisfying life. All by changing our thinking. In Shawn Achor’s book The Happiness Advantage, he found in his research that “what we spend our time and mental energy on can indeed become our reality” (p. 12). Dr. Caroline Leaf goes deeper: “When you think, you build thoughts, and these become physical substances in your brain.” Our thoughts are powerful!
Yes, our brains are powerful, but we do not have to be subject to them. We have been given the power over our minds. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We have the ability to be transformed, to be completely changed, by shifting our thoughts. This is easier said than done, though. It is easier to complain and focus on the negative than to find something positive in a difficult or stressful situation. This path of least resistance is what we have trained our brains to travel. Creating new paths for our thinking and retraining our brains can be difficult. It takes time and work. The benefit of this work, however, is a more positive reality.
Our thoughts directly impact our lives, both negatively and positively. Thankfully, we do not have to let stress, dissatisfaction, or unhappiness be our way of life. God created us to have brains that can change by reframing our thoughts. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Phil 4:8). In tough times and situations, when we fix our thoughts on the positive, we are changing our thinking, our brains, and ultimately our reality. WOW!
Heavenly Father, thank you for minds that can change. Thank you for the tools to readjust our views on the situations we face. Thank you for giving us the gift to transform our lives by renewing our powerful brains.