Mental Programs

Mental Programs

Our brains have programmed scenarios that it tells us to be aware of (on guard against). These programmings are "for our protection".

Programs meant to protect us from things such as bad drivers, from abandonment, loneliness, unfaithfulness, from dogs, insects, thieves, backstabbers, traitors, injury, etc. Most of these programs are created from experiences. Reminders of things we dont wish to experience again. However, that experience can be a physical experience, or an observed experience.  Hearing or watching stories, movies, etc., can be perceived experiences, which can still lead to the creation of protective programs in our minds.

Not all of these programs are necessary, or healthy. Many of them cause us to live in unhealthy states of anxiety, fear, worry, etc. In my years as a cop I was trained, and practiced, mentally preparing for any and every type of scenario that I may face. I mentally practiced living through experiences that were intense and dangerous, so that if/when that type of scenario occurred I would respond well, because mentally I had already overcome that scenario. However, this created constant fear and anxiety. I had programmed my brain to prepare for the worst in every scenario. In everyday life, work, vacations, and even in relationships.

Many of us have allowed this programming, and the practice of rehearsing similar unhealthy scenarios. These scenarios are often from traumatic and unwanted experiences. Experiences we may not remember very clearly, (due to them occurring so many years ago), but ones that were impactful nonetheless.

Reprogramming is what needs to be done.

Reprogramming is similar to renewing. In Romans 12:2, Paul says it this way,

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

In order to do this we have to "be alert", "sober-minded", "vigilant". We have to be able to recognize these programs. And in the moment of recognizing it, choose to address it.

Similar to training a child. We need to address the young "child" within us who was programmed with unhealthy programs, and we need to lovingly "show that child the correct way to go", the correct way to think, perceive, and react. We have to let ourselves know that we understand why we programmed things the way we did, which was out of fear. But the truth is, we no longer have to fear.  We no longer need to fear. Because what we fear is much less real than what is good.

God wants our brains programmed to expect good. To anticipate good. To imagine good happening, and replay those things. This is how we can live in an internal heaven.  When our minds are renewed so that we naturally go to thoughts and beliefs that are based out of love - which is the only true reality. Not thoughts that are based in the illusory reality of fear.

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster."

Deuteronomy 30:15

Choose life, choose good, choose to renew your mind from fear and worry, to love and faith.