How much control do you have over your thought life? Who controls what you feed your brain? If you stop and reflect, what has been the dominant theme and content of your self-dialog over the past day? What has been consuming your mental energy? Can you put it into a few words?
If you realize that what you feed your brain will impact how you think, how you feel, what you’re aware of, and what you say and do, you might reconsider your mental feeding habits. I begin each day feeding my mind the truths found in the Bible. Here’s what I read this morning: “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
When I think, reflect, ask questions, and unpack what I’m reading, the Holy Spirit reveals truth in light of Scripture. If I let the news or what pops up on my cell phone or computer dictate what I focus on, then whoever owns the media owns my mind and my life. I’m not convinced that the billion-dollar industries that control the media are invested in my health, life, and peace. What I do believe is that when I remove screens from my day, the Holy Spirit helps me to shift my focus to pleasing God, and I feel more contentment and peace. When I’m digesting God’s truth, the Holy Spirit inspires me and orchestrates daily opportunities for me to share His truth with those around me.
Two major changes occur when I intentionally carve out daily time to feed my mind God’s Word. The Holy Spirit convicts me, and the Holy Spirit prompts me to ask piercing questions where my life is being examined in light of God’s truth. Before long, I’m confessing my sin, asking God for help, and journaling what God is teaching me.
As I kept reading this morning, I found these powerful words: “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as He raised Christ from the dead, He will give life to your mortal body by the same Spirit living within you. So, dear Christian friends, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do (Romans 8:11,12). Now if I go into my day well-fed by God’s Word, I know that the Holy Spirit’s resurrection power is living in me, and I have absolutely no obligation to give into sinful urges. Two things are bound to occur: First, Satan will tempt me and try to lure me into giving into sinful urges. Secondly, the Holy Spirit will give me the power to recognize Satan’s tactics and to empower me to say “no” to sin. I also feel re-energized to live out my calling in the power of the Holy Spirit. But I don’t rely on what happened early in the morning to carry me through the day. That would be like eating breakfast and thinking my Wheaties will fuel me for the rest of the day. No way! I ask for God’s help and guidance throughout the day as I come alongside His children who need His help and His healing.
Because I’m forgetful, I also have pictures of Jesus surrounding me that re-capture my attention, and I have messages all over my home and my office that remind me of God’s presence and His truth. Because I know that my mind is prone to wander, most of the time I turn off my phone and put it in my black bag so that I’m not tempted to go off on any rabbit trails. Instead, I try to set the Lord always before me. Because He’s at my right hand, I will not be shaken (Psalm 16:8). I believe that God and people feel more heard and valued when my mind and attention isn’t being diverted or distracted. Most of you know that I’m an ADHD poster-child, and I’m no pro at being attentive. Some days I’m more playful and attention-seeking than I am quiet, yielded, and obedient. We’re all works-in-progress, and I’ll bet you’ve already discovered that what you feed your mind will grow and what you starve out will eventually die. You can change your neuropathways and well-traveled roads just by changing your mental feeding habits. Your belly and body and brain will ask for whatever you feed it on a regular basis. Truth or trash.
Because I’m playful and turn everything into a game, I invite people to play “Truth vs. Trash” basketball throughout the day.
Before long, we’re having heart-to-heart discussions about the lies and garbage that we feed on or are being fed by our society. We’re also having truthful conversations about God’s Word and about the messages that we’re feeding ourselves. Once people recognize that I’m much more interested in speaking God’s truth in love, they stop focusing on trash and begin talking about the truth. Whatever we look for and dwell on has a way of bearing fruit.
My other favorite way to engage people in games is by playing Talking Matters. If people need some help building up their mental health, I’ll engaged them in a game of Thinking Matters. Before long, our mental landscape is on the table, and God is breaking into our conversations, leading us to the Truth that sets people free.
Here’s one of my frequent reminders at home that helps to serve as a filter for my thinking.
I also want to share with you some of my developmental catch phrases that can lead to growing mental health.
Look for the good and say the good.
I love how you…
(develops an affirming environment)
Thank you for…
(develops an attitude of gratitude)
Lord, please bring Your help and healing where we need it most.
(develops an openness to the work of the Holy Spirit)