I recently saw both a social media post and an article about a book, Words Can Change Your Brain. Certain neuroscientists have conducted several studies, and the book compiles part of their research. One quote stuck out to me: “A single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.”
The post mentioned how any negative word or phrase you think or say during a workout (or trial) makes stress hormones in your body, hindering your progress. Thoughts of worry, fear, or inferiority can scramble neurochemicals and reinforce what you are thinking. In this context, the word “NO” shuts things down. “I can’t. This is too hard.” Our brain does not correctly distinguish between fact and fantasy – it just assumes the worst, that there is a valid threat!
However, one positive word can make all the difference. For example, “YES” is full of possibilities! It reduces stress and turns on genes and neurochemicals for our well-being. We make more adrenaline, dopamine, epinephrine, and endorphins to help us overcome the challenge.
Over the weekend, I applied this to lifting weights and found it helpful! I felt good and did more reps than usual with a higher weight. I will keep it in mind moving forward!
This made me think of other reasons to check our thoughts. Our brain chooses either a path of faith or fear. It cannot choose both at the same time. “YES” often correlates with faith, while “NO” tends to run with fear. I’m not talking about those times when we need to set healthy boundaries but rather when trying something new, which can be scary! We must face our fear to move past it.
Instead of ruminating on our thoughts (negative or positive), we can meditate on God’s Word. There are so many wonderful verses… His Word is the best!
Here are some faith-filled Scripture verses to consider:
John 1:1-5 (NIV), “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Romans 8:31 (NIV), “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV), “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV), “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
1 John 4:18 (NIV), “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
God, in His infinite wisdom, programmed our brains to run on faith, love, joy, peace, and hope. We can trust that He has good things in store for us. He is our YES and AMEN. We don’t have to choose fear!
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Heavenly Father, thanks for taking such good care of us. Thanks for teaching us Your ways. Help us keep moving forward in faith; may we stand firm against fear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Question: What is your favorite Bible verse? How can you use it to grow your faith?
Tasks: Replace fearful thoughts with faith-filled thoughts. Next time you face a challenge, say “YES” and watch God’s power work through you!
