Rewiring our minds!

In Scripture, we are told that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). This is true, especially concerning our emotions. Amazingly, we have been created with the ability of “Neuroplasticity.” What is neuroplasticity, you may ask? “Neuroplasticity” refers to the brain’s ability to restructure or rewire itself when recognizing the need for adaptation. In other words, the brain continues to develop and change throughout life. As the brain confronts negative and positive stimuli, it can adjust and rewire itself to accept the new dynamic.

Throughout life, we have been wired to respond to issues we face in specific ways. A part of this discussion is the old nature versus nurture debate. Are we born with predetermined responses to problems, or have we learned to respond the way we do? Both may be affecting how we respond.

In the environments we live, we are confronted with various stimuli. If these stimuli are consistently negative, our brains can be rewired to deal with the issues encountered. For example, abused people can experience a rewiring of the brain to deaden the pain. Left alone, we will believe we are no longer loved. The view of ourselves causes us to think we are faulty or broken. We can blame ourselves and believe we are not worthy of healthy relationships. We will often sabotage relationships for fear of being hurt again.

As children, many are taught not to have any emotions. We are taught to hide our true selves so that others will view us positively. We are trained to live to perfection, which is never possible. As a result, we begin to live with a false sense of who we are. We redefine ourselves. We hide. We isolate. After doing this long enough, we believe our false identity is our true self. Essentially, the mind rewires itself to believe the lies we have been told.

This is complicated even more when we face trauma, abuse, or other catastrophic issues. For example, we can be taught to hide our emotions and feelings. We hide our emotions so as not to make waves. Sometimes when a family member abuses another, the who has been abused will try to hide their emotions. They try to deal with these issues without ever actually addressing the issue. The result can be devastating. They blame themselves. They begin to believe they are not good. They think they are flawed and thus are a failure. When no one listens to them, they hide the hurt and, in essence, rewire their brain to accept these complicated ideas about themselves. This is a problem because they begin to live in a place of woundedness rather than a place of healing.

From this negative wiring, we often find ourselves responding to events in unhealthy ways. We lash out. We default to what feels good. This could be food, drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. We long to be heard but feel silenced by the voices in our heads. Because of bad wiring, we do things we did not intend to do when the triggers that lead to negative responses are encountered.

While our brains can be rewired to respond negatively, we can also rewire our brains to react positively. Once again, this is why Scripture tells us to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). And that we are to renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2). This is the Bible’s way of telling us we need to rewire our minds. We will look at this in more detail next time.

I have always found this discussion interesting. The Bible talks about a new heart and a renewed mind. We need to reframe our thought processes and the way we think. In Romans 12, we are told that we can be conformed or transformed. Being conformed is to allow the brain to be rewired from negative input. In so doing, we become what God never intended us to be. It is easy in many ways to be conformed. It is harder to be transformed.

I love the idea found in the word transformed. God has created us in His image. The problem, however, is that our experiences and relationships have caused us to be conformed to a different way of living. It is a way that is not aligned with God’s plan, as opposed to what God intended. When we are out of alignment, things do not go well.

One way to rewire our minds is to do what Philippians 4:8 says. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Do you get what is being said here? How we think changes everything.

We need to think about what is true. Search for truth and apply that truth to your life. Think about what is noble, e.g., what is good or excellent. Think about what is pure and not improper. In other words, refocus your thinking on what is good and right. In the process, we can rewire our minds to focus on truth. The result will be healing and focusing on God’s will for your life.

So let me ask you:

1. Where have you been affected by your negative experiences?
2. Where has your mind been rewired to believe the lies that have been spoken against you?
3. Where do you need to be transformed or have your mind rewired? Be specific.
4. What must you change to think about truth, and what is excellent? Take some time to meditate on Philippians 4:8 and how you can apply these truths to your life.

© Robert W. Odom, Ph. D. 2023