The mind is like a super-highway. Our thoughts travel roads called neural pathways that are formed from the time we are very young. Some well-traveled paths become wide and deep, like roads we travel every day. These thoughts end at beliefs, which are also formed over time and make up our character and the way we handle life.

When something happens to us, our thoughts automatically travel on the path we’ve built for them and end up reinforcing the beliefs we’ve learned. For example, when we feel rejected over a relationship or a job, our thoughts might travel the path that says, “I’ll never be good enough.”

We can keep those beliefs as our reality, or we can change them. Brain research is showing us that we can change the paths our thoughts travel by being mindful of them. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a renowned researcher of the mind, says it this way, “The mind controls the brain, not the other way around.” The Bible says, “take captive every thought...”

When we begin the practice of thinking about our thoughts and where they go, we can change our lives. Instead of spiraling into depression when we experience conflict or pain, we can create new paths that build on new beliefs of God’s love, grace and His perfect plan for our lives.

The choice is ours. Do we continue to let our thoughts travel on auto-pilot and lead us to despair? Or do we begin to really think about our thoughts and use God’s Word to change our destination?

Lord, open my eyes to how my thoughts are controlling me and how I can begin controlling my thoughts to bring them in line with your Word. Holy Spirit, teach me how to replace my “stinkin’ thinkin’” with the truth. Amen.

Go Deeper — Begin journaling to keep track of your thoughts and how they may be leading you down the path toward lies you have believed for a long time. It takes courage to change your thinking. But that’s where the battle of freedom in Christ can be won.



Tags: 1 & 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 10
Photo Credit: Maria Shanina