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We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5b, NASB).
We daydream differing memories thousands of times per day.
Those memories come at us from all directions — what has angered us, feelings of nostalgia, good and bad times, significant events, and embarrassments. Our future hope, staying positive, and maintaining healthy relations depend upon our ability to manage our memories.
Bad memories stir up hypertension and bitterness, ultimately causing health issues, impacting our ability to maintain forgiving relationships, and perhaps instigating anger toward God.
For these reasons, the Bible teaches, “Take every thought captive.”
Below are three steps to Healthy Memory Management:
- Turn the Negative Into a Positive
Scientific studies indicate it’s possible to turn negative memories into positive memories and even change the negative hypertension chemicals in our brain to soothing hormones promoting peace.
My mother died in a car wreck.
A horrific memory with the potential to cause many negative emotions for the rest of my life. Instead, when thinking of my mom, I remembered my last conversation with her when she told me that she loved me. Also, I think of her praying for me in my rebellious youth.
The Bible teaches us to take captive our thoughts. When we think of a negative memory, focus on it, find the good in that memory, and flip it from negative to positive.
- Talk to the Right People
Don’t allow the “misery loves company” syndrome. Instead, seek friends (or professional counselors) who will listen, help us express our feelings, provide support, and lend wisdom. Recent studies reveal that memories will change by talking about them in a beneficial manner.
But too often, our social network consists of sycophants of negativity who we’ve gathered as friends (misery loves company) and who reflect and reinforce our anger. As Paul writes. . .
Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NLT).
- Learn to Rejoice
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, NASB)
God intends praise to fortify a life of healthy joy. Praise roots itself in grateful memories. The evil one prowls about seeking to devour our peace by constantly reminding us of our weaknesses and the offenses of others.
Healthy Memory Management involves spiritual warfare to sustain joy! Peter teaches this. . .
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith (1 Peter 5:8-9a, NLT).
In my struggle with memories, realizing and believing that God causes all things to work for good for those called according to His purposes, I pray daily to discern the good from the bad.
Healthy Memory Management!