Brain Neuroplasticity, Faith & Healing 101 | A Beginner’s Guide

My job is to coach people on how to use thoughts and behaviors—guided by God’s Word—to heal from physical, mental and spiritual illness. But for a newbie to this unfamiliar realm, neuroplasticity combined with faith to produce healing can be a hard and confusing pill to swallow, especially since it goes against modern culture. 

And I’ve got to admit, if you’re exploring this for the first time, the idea of using faith in God’s love and grace to change your brain does sound a little kooky! That’s why I want to demystify the basics of neuroplasticity and explain how God provides amazing healing when we believe and live out His promises. 

Brains can do what?!

I think we can all agree the brain is an amazingly complex organ. Scientists are still trying to figure out all its mysteries. So it should come as no surprise that while the “how” is not fully understood, the brain plays a pivotal role in physical health, relationships and spiritual wellbeing. In fact, the brain is slowly being recognized as the control center for health. 

Studies have shown thoughts alone can switch on and off genes (called epigenetics) and directly influence the cells in your body. We can turn on behavior dependent genes that drive inflammation and disease and we can turn them off. Take a minute to soak that in: the things you think impact not just your brain, but cells and mechanisms below your head, too. 

We already understand how thinking pleasant or positive thoughts produces “good” neurochemicals, but scientists are also discovering that entertaining negative thoughts, attitudes and belief systems contributes to systemic inflammation and eventually manifests as chronic illness. 

Thankfully, our brains and bodies are designed to heal. By leveraging the brain’s ability to change (called neuroplasticity) and replacing old, negative thoughts and beliefs with the truth of God’s Word, a full, healthy, vibrant life is possible (more on that below!).

What is neuroplasticity?

Simply put, neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change. Chances are you were taught in school that the brain is only malleable during childhood, then at some point in early adulthood becomes “hardwired” and fixed. But it turns out brains are incredibly flexible, adapting and changing constantly to stimuli. 

For example, when you learn something new like how to play Chopsticks on the piano or shoot a basketball, your brain physically changes. If we took images of your brain with fMRI before and after learning, we could see tangible differences in your brain. Here’s the kicker: even if you simply change the way you think, your brain would physically change, too. That’s neuroplasticity, and it’s a good thing. 

Brain = thoughts = beliefs = life 

If you’re like most people, you’ve had your fair share of “stuff” happen in your life—job loss, a tragic death, abuse, toxic chemical or mold exposure, a car accident or severe bout of illness, just to name a few. Most of us take these circumstances in stride, but any kind of stressful physical or emotional scenario can also be a source of brain trauma. 

So even though the brain’s adaptability is a marvelous wonder, neuroplasticity has a dark side. Just as our brains can change for the better, they can also change for the worse.

When we encounter physical, emotional or chemical trauma, our brains can latch onto and relive negative experiences until these thoughts create ruts in our thinking. Or in a worse case scenario like mine, trauma can cause a limbic system trauma loop, where the brain is stuck in fight-or-flight and confuses normal stimuli as harmful. The result? All kinds of physical and mental diseases, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, sensitivities to food, chemicals, mold, sound and light and tons more. 

But it’s not all doom and gloom. God has a way for you and your brain to heal.

God invites you to change your thinking

Although the Bible was written millennia ago before modern science, its authors actually had a lot to say about the brain, mind and thoughts. In fact, here are just a few key verses: 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”  Romans 12:2a

“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

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”  Isaiah 26:3

“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”  Ephesians 4:22-24

“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

Reading these verses reminds me that God first invites us to have a relationship with Him. And through that intimate relationship, our hearts change and we think new thoughts, produce a new set of neurochemicals and create new neural pathways that physically change us from the inside out. 

Think about that: just by getting to know God, your brain structure is positively shifting even if you don’t realize it. And those small changes, over time, will produce big results mentally, physically and spiritually.

Take your first step to transformation

So how can you begin a journey to not only change your brain but transform your life? 

Step one: get to know God better. 

My pro tip: schedule a 15-minute quiet time every day to read the Bible, do a devotional, journal your thoughts, pray, or listen to worship music. Learn about God’s true nature and begin to believe just one promise he makes in his Word. Set an intention for your day that comes from this time with God. 

As you go about your day, slow down and play the curious observer of yourself to recognize when the cares of this world distract you from God or bring you back into old thought patterns. Pause your thoughts and remember what God says instead. As a believer in Christ, you are loved and deeply cared for by a loving Father. There is no problem in this world that God can’t take care of. 

With neuroplasticity, repetition is key. Don’t be surprised when those old thoughts emerge; instead shrug them off as old neural pathways and choose to embrace the truth. Eventually, the new thoughts will take root and dominate your thinking. And oh my, watch your faith grow in the process.

If you’re new to self-guided neuroplasticity or are familiar with a brain retraining program and need a little help on your journey, I’d love to come alongside you. I offer one-on-one coaching rooted in Biblical teaching to help people connect with God in a way that produces healing from head to toe. Simply reach out to learn more.

Key Scripture

Proverbs 23:7a

For as he man thinks in his heart, so is he.

Worship

Burn the Ships by for King & Country

https://youtu.be/pOVrOuKVBuY