Visualisation

<<creating a mental picture>>

When a mental image or impression is received (such as through a God-given vision or dream), we visualise or ‘picture’ what is possible and can see it as an accomplished fact. This forward projection or forecasting inspires hope and faith because of the immense power of the mind to change thought patterns and attitudes and ‘seeing’ the outcome, helps us to take the necessary steps to bring it about. This is why we are to guard our heart more than any treasure for it is the source of our life’s direction. Besides, we should take captive wrong thoughts that Satan would use to detract from God’s purposes (Prov 4:23; 2 Cor 10:5). While having a positive mental attitude (PMA) is desirable, as it help us anticipate opportunities, Christ must be the source of our vision and remain our focus to realise the right outcomes. Serving Him is more than positive thinking and declaring my ideas (Job 22:28; Zech 4:6; Mt 6:27). It is having a revelation of the transformation that is possible, for when we see something in our mind’s eye, it has a greater power to change us than just a thought.

God gave Abraham a vision (a picture) of the stars of the sky besides telling him he would have that many children, and that produced faith in his heart (Gen 12:1,2, 15:5,6); when David prayed and worshipped he used imagery (Ps 23:1-6, 36:5,6); when David walked he pictured the Lord at his right hand, as we also can –“abide in Christ” and “fix

Visualise your supporters in heaven – Hebrews 12:1

our eyes on Him” (Ps 16:8; Jn 15:4; Act 2:25; Heb 12:1,2); Jesus did what He saw the Father doing (Jn 5:19,20); the Lord’s Supper (communion) utilises imagery, with Jesus saying, “This is My body…This is My blood” (Mt 26:26-28); “And we, who with unveiled faces all contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being formed into His likeness…” (2 Cor 3:17,18, 4:16-18); see yourself clothed with Christ’s robe of righteousness, not just the statement “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:27; Phil 3:9).

We all use visualisation to prepare ourselves before taking action; we picture what we will eat before we make or buy the food, what we will wear before we put it on; and the conversations happening before they do. The Bible says it is wise to consider the possible outcomes before taking action (Lk 14:28-32).

As believers our attention should be directed to the Lord, for although we are powerless He is the all-powerful God to whom we present our prayers and petitions (with thanksgiving), so we can see ourselves victorious because of Him (Lk 18:27; Phil 4:6). Be aware though we can pronounce over ourselves self-fulfilling prophesy, when we say ‘I can’ or ‘I can’t’.

Visualisation can be spiritually healthy or unhealthy depending on the situation and the reason it is generated. Ungodly visualisation is sometimes recommended as a means to alter reality and get what you want, through the law of attraction, positive thinking and Word of Faith. The human mind has no power to create reality or reshape the world to one’s liking, regardless of how focused the thoughts or clear the visualisation. While our thoughts and feelings have an impact on our physical wellbeing, that has more to do with how our bodies relate to the internal issues we are dealing with, rather than any supposed energy force attracting negative or positive physical symptoms (Ps 32:3; Prov 15:30, 17:22). Such ‘self-help’ practices are incompatible with biblical teaching.

Ancient witchcraft techniques, occult practices and New Age enlightenment employ evil spiritual beings and humanistic, mind-altering methods of concentrating the soul-power as a force towards another or to gain for selfish ends. This is attempting to use human power or even God (whatever He is perceived to be) as a force to achieve personal ends, whereas in contrast, as Christians we should be allowing God to use us for His purposes. Adam and Eve accepted the devil’s message, ‘You don’t need God, you can be God’ (Gen 3:4). Yet like Satan all those who continue to pursue a path that is not vitally connected to God will perish in their sin (Isa 14:12-15; Lk 13:3,5; Rev 20:10). The Bible’s message to us is “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him…” (Ps 37:4,5).