“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

-Romans 12:2

The mind is said to be a terrible thing to waste. But the mind can also serve as a catalyst for our greatest anxieties and fears, especially in times of crisis. Oftentimes, it feels as though our mind is emitting ideas and horrors without our permission. However, the things we fill our spirits with have a direct effect on our perception and reactions to events. In other words, those images and horrors that come to mind are conceived there. Our mind isn’t releasing anything that isn’t already present.

So, what can we do to minimize our mind’s tendency of going to the worst case scenario?

Well, as Paul reminds us in the scripture above, we have to transform our minds, understanding that what we feed it has a very direct impact on our outlook. When we feed it negativity, it breeds negativity, which often comes in the form of fear. The anxiety and paranoia that engulfs us is ultimately a lack of faith – faith in God and his ability to intervene on our behalf, and also faith in ourselves to think and speak power over our circumstances. If we are filled with more with anxiety and paranoia, all our mind knows is frenzy and doubt.

Last week, my sister was hospitalized and needed surgery. Suddenly, all the worst-case scenarios entered my mind. What if she’s not okay? What if the doctors make a mistake? Meanwhile, my father remained calm, having complete faith in God and my sister’s strength. As I cried and panicked, my father was my comforter and anchor in faith. Now, I am not suggesting that being able to reject worst scenario thoughts is easy, but it is something to work towards. Not only should we trust God’s plan and have faith in it, but by having faith in our desired vision and outcome, we are giving credence to positive outcomes. In doing that, we are already beginning to transform our minds because we are no longer giving attention to that little voice in our head that tells us to panic.

And how do we anchor our thoughts in positivity and things of God?

“ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

-Philippians 4:8

We do so by filtering our thoughts through the characteristics laid out by Paul. Not only are these characteristics virtuous, but they’re attributes of God. We are spiritual creatures and like our bodies, our spirits need to be fed. When are spirits are fed with attributes of God, not only does it make us like Him, but it gives us the wherewithal to reject those worst-case scenarios before they can even come in.