Solomon said about 3000 years ago in Proverbs 24:7, “For as he thinks in his heart so is he…”
The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things.”
The power of our thoughts is immense! I am reading a book by a Christian psychiatrist Daniel Amen called Change Your Brain, Change Your Life (Kindle version) that I think is very good along this line. I have given some quotes below.
“Did you know…every time you have a thought, your brain releases chemicals? That’s how our brains work. You have a thought your brain releases chemicals, an electrical transmission goes across your brain and you become aware of what you are thinking. Thoughts are real and they have a direct impact on how you feel and how you behave.
“Every time you have a mad thought, an unkind thought, a sad thought, or a cranky thought, your brain releases negative chemicals that activate your limbic system and make your mind and body feel bad. Think about the last time you were mad. How did you feel physically? When most people are mad, their muscles get tense, their heart beats faster, their hands start to sweat, and they may even begin to feel a little dizzy. Your body reacts to every negative thought you have.
“Every time you have a good thought, a happy thought, a hopeful thought, or a kind thought, your brain releases chemicals that make your body feel good. Think about the last time you had a really happy thought. What did you feel inside your body? When most people are happy their muscles relax, their heartbeat and breath slow. Your body reacts to your good thought.
“Your body reacts to every thought you have! We know this from polygraphs or lie detector tests. Almost immediately, the body reacts to your thoughts, whether you say anything or not. Now, the opposite is also true.
“Thoughts are very powerful! They can make your mind and body feel good or they can make you feel bad Every cell in your body is affected by every thought you have. That is why when people get emotionally upset they often develop physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches. If you can think about a good thing, you will feel better.”
This reminds us of the need to renew our minds to think only things that are aligned with Scripture. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”