You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self…to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. —Ephesians 4:22-24
Every time we have a thought, our brains release chemicals. When we have a sad, angry, anxious, hopeless, or helpless thought, our brains release chemicals that make us feel awful.
Dr. Daniel Amen says negative thoughts make our hands colder, our muscle more tense, our breathing shallower, and our brainwaves disorganized.
When we have a happy, hopeful, encouraging, loving, or connected thought, our brains release a completely different set of chemicals. Our hands get warmer and drier, our muscles become more relaxed, and our breathing becomes slower and deeper.
Suppressing automatic negative thoughts doesn’t work. Instead, we need to notice them, put words to them, and replace them with God’s truth, such as a verse like Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
Pay attention to the thoughts that go through your mind. Are negative or positive ones common? How do they affect you?
Food for Thought: Refocusing your thoughts with truth will refresh your body and your soul.
