Should Christians Be Using Visualization?
Jan 27, 2024
Should Christians Be Using Visualization?
Well, it depends.
Visualizations often get a bad rap due to their association with the New Age movement and their self-centered and esoteric applications.
When pursuing healing, as christians we want to seek methods that align with our Christian faith and values. One such powerful tool that combines faith with science is the practice of spiritually healthy visualizations. Before we dive into the incredible benefits of this practice, let's establish something crucial right from the start:
Spiritually healthy visualizations are NOT rooted in new age practices or mysticism. They are never used to manifest anything other than Gods plans and purposes. When used correctly, they are a safe, faith enhancing tool to engage with God's will and promises, fostering hope, healing, and spiritual growth.
The evil one has a tendency to take what God intended for good (our imagination) and to twist it for his purposes.
"Visualization can be spiritually healthy or spiritually unhealthy, depending on the situation and the reasons for the visualization." John Piper
Spiritually healthy visualizations, emphasize aligning one's thoughts and aspirations with biblical principles. They are NOT about manipulating circumstances but fostering a positive mindset rooted in faith and trust in Godly provision and pursuits.
Spiritually healthy visualizations draw inspiration from biblical teachings and are grounded in Christian principles. They do not involve mystical or esoteric elements, focusing instead on the power of faith, hope, love and gratitude.
In spiritually healthy visualizations, the goal is not to create a false reality but to align one's thoughts and perspective with God's truth. It's a practice that encourages believers to envision a positive future where they are able to be used greatly.
Let me give you an example of a Spiritually Healthy Visualization:
"As I wake up in the morning, I feel healthy and strong. I am greeted by the soft glow of dawn gently filtering through my window. The sun is shining, it is an exceptionally beautiful day. God you are so good! I take a deep breath, feeling the peace of the moment fill my lungs and every cell in my body. I am calm and relaxed. I am surrounded by a comforting stillness. I feel within myself that God is with me. I sit with this feeling for just a moment. As I stretch and rise from my bed, I am energized. I am grateful to God for the new day ahead, knowing that I am blessed with the gift of life and health.
I am preparing for church with a heart filled with joy and anticipation. I hear the sound of birds singing outside my window and the warmth of the sun's rays create a glowing atmosphere. I am putting on my favorite pants today and the fabric feels so soft against my skin. As I walk outside, I am greeted by the sweet scent of vibrant flowers blooming, red, pink and yellow along with the sound of leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The world around me seems alive with the presence of God, and I am filled with a sense of purpose and meaning. I love my life, I am truly blessed"
The Biblical Foundation of Visualizations
Provers 29:18 says: Where there is no vision, the people parish.
A vision is simply an image produced in your imagination. A clear vision helps you decide your next steps, providing direction and hope for the future.
In Ephesians 1:18, we find the following verse: "I pray that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." In this verse Paul is praying that we would be able to see this hope and calling.
Additionally, Psalm 143:5 tells us, "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." This verse highlights the practice of meditating and recalling in your mind God's past deeds and the importance of reflecting on His love and care for you.
These three verses lay the groundwork for the practice of spiritually healthy visualizations, which could involve vividly imagining and meditating on these biblical truths and promises.
The Benefits of Spiritually Healthy Visualizations
Naturally Increases Feel Good Neurotransmitters and Hormones: Visualizing positive and faith-filled scenarios triggers the release of "happy hormones" like dopamine and serotonin. These hormones contribute to a sense of well-being and happiness, promoting emotional stability and physical health.
Biblical Example: Visualize the joy of receiving God's grace and forgiveness, allowing His love to fill your heart with happiness.
Promotes Gratitude: Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. Visualizing God's blessings and expressing gratitude in your visualizations can deepen your appreciation for His goodness.
Biblical Example: Visualize the many blessings God has bestowed upon you, thank him for them, from the gift of salvation to everyday provisions.
Enhanced Mood: Biblical visualizations can lift your mood and alleviate feelings of sadness or anxiety and decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms. Focusing on God's promises and faithfulness brings a sense of peace and contentment.
Biblical Example: Visualize God's presence with you in what would usually be a challenging situation, and imagine the comfort and reassurance it brings.
Decreased Negative Thoughts: Visualizations redirect your thoughts away from negativity and fear. By consistently visualizing positive outcomes rooted in faith, you can rewire anxious and negative thinking patterns.
Biblical Example: Visualize yourself casting your anxieties upon the Lord, trusting in His care (1 Peter 5:7).
Lowers Stress Hormones: Engaging in peaceful and faith-based visualizations can lower stress hormones such as cortisol, promoting a state of relaxation and tranquility.
Biblical Example: Visualize being in the presence of Jesus, experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Increases Faith and Fosters Hope: Above all, spiritually healthy visualizations strengthen your faith. As you immerse yourself in visualizations grounded in biblical promises, your trust in God's deepens.
Biblical Example: Visualize the mustard seed of faith growing into a mighty tree (Matthew 17:20).
Promotes Healthy Brain Patterns: Spiritually healthy visualizations help desensitizes brain pathways to symptoms and triggers. By repeatedly visualizing faith-filled scenarios, you rewire your brain to focus on hope and positivity resulting in decreased anxiety and many unwanted thoughts and symptoms.
Biblical Example: Visualize your mind being transformed by the renewing of God's Word (Romans 12:2).
Enhances Healing: Visualizations can contribute to physical and emotional healing by initiating a shift from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for our body's fight-or-flight response, which can be activated during times of stress and chronic illness. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and restoration, allowing the body to heal.
Incorporating spiritually healthy visualizations into your daily practice can help facilitate this shift and desensitize the brains outdated associations to symptoms and triggers. As you immerse yourself in faith-filled scenarios, you signal to your brain that it's safe to relax and heal. This can have a profound impact on the recovery process, promoting both physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Biblical Example: Visualize the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment and was healed (Matthew 9:20-22).
Deepening Your Spiritual Connection: By consistently practicing spiritually healthy visualizations that align with your Christian faith and beliefs, you can tap into how God designed your body to heal and recover, all while deepening your connection with God.
Click the link below to access the short training video to learn more about how Christ-centered brain retraining can help you find freedom to live out your calling full of health and peace.
May your faith be strengthened, your mind renewed, and your heart filled with the joy of God's presence.
Grace and Peace,
Angel
