by Norman H. Patterson Jr.

There is a spiritual discipline that I have found to be extremely helpful in my continual restoration. I hope you will find it beneficial as well. There is a lot written in the Bible about our mind and our thoughts. A few examples are:

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Perhaps the best verse is the words Jesus spoke:

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31+32

Neuroplasticy

I believe a revolution is happening in modern psychology. It is happening in the area of neuroplasticity. Essentially, this is the science that studies how our physical brains can literally be rewired based upon intentional and systematic mental exercises. It is the science of how the mind effects the brain.

What actually happens to our physical brain when we learn something? New neural pathways are developed. The longer we practice something, the stronger the connection between the neurons. Given enough time and practice, our brains are literally rewired to function differently than before. The longer and stronger these connections, the easier a task becomes. This, essentially, is what learning is all about. And this is why learning something is so difficult. We have to forge new mental pathways. At first, it is difficult but in time practice does make perfect.

This process becomes even more difficult when you are trying to unlearn old habits or ways of thinking. Sometimes, we are fighting a lifetime of bad thinking that has been deeply embedded into our brains. Lies can become so part of our brains that they become true for us.

Mental Health

Science is just now catching up with the Bible. A healthy person is someone who thinks true thoughts. But how do we know what is true and what is false? Jesus prayed

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17

Truth begins with an encounter with Jesus Christ. He is the way, the TRUTH, and the life. He is God's Truth Personified. We also have the written word of God.

An important step in healing and restoration is the rewiring of our brains through discipline mental effort of focusing and meditating upon Truth as revealed by God. It is the daily practice of comparing our truth with God's Truth. This is what is meant when Paul wrote

Be transformed by the renewal of your mind... Romans 12:2

Daily Truth Encounter

This is how I have put this into practice on a daily basis.

1. Write Down the Lie

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a lie you currently believe and write it down on one half of a piece of paper. Write the lie as succinctly as possible.

Here are a few examples:

• I am a failure.

• God hates me.

• Everything goes wrong in my life.

• My life is ruined because of my poor choices.

2. Write down how this lie has affected your life.

How has it affected your thinking, actions, and relationships? Write it down. Be as specific as possible.

Perhaps you might write that the lie is, "My life is ruined because of my poor choices." Maybe the way this has affected your thinking is in being ungrateful for the things you have and you've fallen into complaining. Perhaps you get angry at the slightest obstacle or you stop doing anything because you are so discouraged or depressed. Sometimes family members or friends become the target of your frustration.

The more you recognize the way the lie has affected your life the more you can begin to fight its awful effects.

3. Now, on the other side of the paper, write down the Truth.

To use the example, "My life has been ruined because of my poor choices", you can counter the lie with various expressions of the truth such as

• My life has changed because of poor choices, but it isn't ruined.

• God saved me from allowing me to continue in the path of destruction by changing the course of my life.

• My life is in God's hands and I will trust Him no matter way.

4. Each day, for the next 21 days, try to find a new Bible verse that counters the lie.

Some verses for the example I've been using might be

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:6

5. Daily Truth Encounter.

Write down an easy word or phrase that you can remember or read throughout the day whenever the lie presents itself.

My Daily Truth Encounter might look like this

Day 1 - Cycle 1

Lie: My life has been ruined because of my poor choices

Bible Truth: For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:6

True Thought: God loves me so much He changed my life for the better.

Throughout the day, I would think about Hebrews 12:6 and every time I was tempted to believe the lie that my life was ruined because of my poor choices, I would counter it with that particular day's True Thought, "God loves me so much He changed my life for the better."

The next day, you keep working on the Lie. You do that for 21 days, but every day you find a new Bible verse to counter it, and come up with a new True Thought.

Day 2 - Cycle 1

Lie: My life has been ruined because of my poor choices

Bible Truth: And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5

True Thought: He makes my life new!

6. Repeat for another 21-day cycle or move on to a new lie.

I have done thirty 21-day cycles over the past couple of years. If a lie is particularly stubborn or evasive, I will stay on it for as many cycles as possible.

Here are some actual examples of my Daily Truth Encounters.

Cycle 20: Day 9 of 21

Lie: I’m afraid I’m going to mess up and lose my court appeal.

Bible Truth: No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17

True Thought: I am more than a servant, I am a son!

Cycle 23: Day 1 of 21

Lie: The true Christian life is only one of suffering.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

I humbly hope in God and enjoy His good gifts.

Cycle 30: Day 5

Lie: It’s better to avoid conflict.

Bible Truth: Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. Ephesians 4:15

True Thought: Mature people speak the truth in Christ.

Today’s Encounter:

Cycle 30: Day 15 - 1/11/19

Lie: *It’s better to avoid conflict.*

Bible Truth: Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” 29 So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled. 2 Samuel 13:28+29_

True Thought: Not confronting can lead to worse consequences.

Gradual Change

At first, I noticed the changes in my thinking, behavior, and interactions with others. Over time, my friends and family noticed. It didn't take long for even my worst critics to recognize that a transformation was taking place in my life.

God does His part in saving and sanctifying us. We have to do our part. He never does for us, what we can do for ourselves. We have to work in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. We can either resist the work the Holy Spirit is doing in us or we can cooperate with Him. Either way, He will have His way. It just becomes a matter of whether the process will go smoother for us or whether we have to continue to fight against Him. I choose to cooperate.

Please feel free to comment, share, or contact me privately with any feedback, questions, or suggestions.