Wednesday 18 September 2013

Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.”

Neural scientists have now discovered that the heart plays an important role in certain thought processes in the brain.  One region of the heart is directly linked to the part of the brain used in moral judgment and discernment.  It is that ability within us to judge what is right and wrong.  Science is now confirming what the Bible has taught for millennia.

When your heart is filled with anxiety, fear, stress and various forms of fatigue it limits the ability of the heart to play a significant role in making good decisions.  This is why we have taught that you should never make a major life-changing decision when you’re tired or depressed.  Toxic thoughts and high stress reduces the brain to a «fight or flight» instinct, not that different than animals.

What makes humans unique, and in the image of God, is that unlike animals, our heart plays an important role in making difficult and yet quality decisions based on values and principles and not just on the instinct of survival.  However, if our mind has become polluted with all sorts of toxic thoughts and attitudes, it works to disconnect the heart from this process.  How often has it been said that someone who has been abused in life has become «heartless.»

It is essential during this time of fasting that we begin to allow God to detoxify our soul.  Jesus said that he would purify us by the washing of the water of the Word of God. (See Eph. 5:26)  Repent for giving place to toxic thoughts and attitudes. Declare that your mind will no longer be a rubbish bin for the things of this world.

Now, a great man of God told me once, Pressure doesn’t create problems; it only reveals them.  Conflict, disappointments and disagreeable people don’t create what goes on in your brain.  These things may contribute to a particular environment; but the Bible says to keep your eyes on the things that come from above and not the things that are around you. (See Col. 3:2)

Write down the things that cause you the greatest stress.  As your list grows it is important to realize that the real problem is not what is on your list, but the way in which you deal with these things.  Commit these things to the Lord and ask Him to teach you how to conquer the toxic thoughts and attitudes.