I’ve been wondering why the human brain seemingly tends to always think the worse instead of the better. In most situations, with most people, I find this to be the case. It wasn’t enough for me to just know that it does, I wanted to know why!
So I turned my voice and addressed my good friend. “Hey Google, why does the human brain always think the worse?” According to what Google had to say, it has to do with various things, such as the amount of stress in our lives versus the amount of happiness and is directly related to how much dopamine and cortisol our brains release. Makes sense.
I was thinking about the scene in the original Lion King movie where Timon (a meerkat) and Pumbaa (a warthog) had just run into Simba, the young lion. Timon was very frightened of the lion, whereas Pumbaa thought he was cute and wanted to keep him. Their discussion went back and forth with Timon pointing out all the negative reasons not to keep the lion and Pumbaa bringing out all the positive reasons why they should. Pumbaa finally said, “What if he’s on our side?” Timon replied, “that’s the stupidest thing I ever heard”! Then suddenly Timon’s thinking changed and he said to Pumbaa, “Hey, here’s an idea…what if he’s on our side?!” I’ve often spoken with people who are like Timon. Their thoughts are filled with “what ifs”.
I have taught classes on “what we believe” and the effect that our beliefs have on our behavior and actions. Below is a chart that I made illustrating this:
© copyright Debbie Berry
Today I was praying for a person who struggles with “what ifs”. I asked the Lord to show them the lie that they were believing that would cause them to focus on the negative side of their situation. As I prayed I found myself asking the Lord to reveal to them, not only the lies that they believed, but also the Truths! After all, the bible says in John 8:31-32 “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Wow! Of course! It’s the Truth (Jesus) that makes us free!
In the past, I have always viewed the above chart in a negative sense. In other words, if I believe a lie about myself, for example, if I believe that my father never loved me, it is going to have a direct and negative effect on my behavior and actions. But, let’s look at the chart now in a positive light. The bible is full of scripture that tell me positive truths about how God sees me. What if I believe those scriptures? My positive thoughts (and truths) will lead me on a positive path.
I learned a valuable lesson through today’s prayer, one that I plan on applying to my own life. Instead of always asking God to show me (or someone else) the lies we are believing that cause us to function the way we do, I will turn that around and ask Him to reveal to me the Truths that I believe because it is that Truth that will make me free!
Amen. Let it be so. Lord, set it as a seal upon my heart.
Comments