Human beings are blessed with the mental capacity to think, recall and imagine. Upon waking, our minds race on, affected by what we see, smell and hear. Our minds are also recalling memories of past experiences. Then in addition, we also have imaginations that can transport us into fictional circumstances.
Our brains, like all things, can be used for good and healthy purposes, or it can be used in unhealthy ways bringing unhealthy results.
If we primarily focus on unhealthy memories and imaginings, it will bring chronic stress (fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, depression) into our daily lives. Chronic ongoing stress can kill healthy brain cells, shrinking the size of the brain. It can also disrupt daily living and greatly limit one’s ability to thrive.
Forgiveness issues are a major source of stress for many individuals – forgiveness of others and forgiveness of self. A podcast host I was listening to said this: “Forgiveness is a great gift AND a great call.” We receive God’s great gift of forgiveness AND WITH IT comes the great call to forgive others, including ourselves. The Gift and the call are inseparable.
How can we manage our mind (tame the mental monkeys) for good, healthy purposes?
Scripture tells us to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Col 3:2). Think about what you are thinking about. Don’t allow your mind to run rampant, turning your thoughts down unhealthy paths.
Let’s use our mind for healthy purposes. For one example, using the crucifixion story, we can combine our abilities to think, recall and imagine using a visualization technique that draws us closer to God and leads to healthier results…
Imagine 2 crosses, standing tall before you.
On the first cross, you are fastened with your own nails of fear, anxiety, anger, shame, guilt, resentment, etc… You are thirsty, suffering and unable to free yourself.
On the second cross is Jesus. And here you are on your knees at the foot of His cross, looking up, struggling to take it all in, Jesus, his hands, feet and side bleeding from his wounds. Notice to your right is Jesus’ mother, as is Mary Magdalene and the disciple John. Notice their sorrow, their grief. You hear sobbing and murmurings.
Look up. Christ Jesus is looking down at YOU with pure love in His eyes and you begin to realize that Jesus willingly accepted this cross FOR YOU, for the forgiveness of your sins and others – why? – so YOU CAN BE FREE, so you can refuse your own nails on that first cross, so you can instead walk on in forgiveness and peace.
NOW — CHOOSE ONE CROSS – the first or the second – YOU CAN ONLY CHOOSE ONE
Lord, at the foot of your cross, my heart is stretched taught and my mind is bewildered. There is a “knowing” that I need you, yet I am without words….
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