Biblical visualization can be a powerful tool to incorporate into our walk with God.
Now this is not a post about visualization as the world knows it.
New-age thinkers promote visualization as a means to manipulate reality to get desired outcomes.
They erroneously believe in the power of the mind to alter current facts to ‘attract’ success and ‘materialize’ non-existent realities.
It relies on the premise that by focusing our thoughts, the human mind has the power to reshape our world.
We would supposedly achieve all this on our own; or as they like to say, ‘the universe (the created thing) will help us.’
Cue the oft-quoted Paolo Coehlo mantra:
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
The Alchemist
As alluring as that sounds, we believers cannot hold to any thinking that disregards God’s crucial role in inciting and actioning change in our lives.
God alone has the power to alter reality, bring forth life and give truly good gifts:
“17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17 ESV
So What Is Biblical Visualization?
Visualization itself refers to simply creating mental images.
Biblical visualization then is developing a Godly imagination by picturing the things the bible records as truth.
With our hearts and minds we can visualize the written Word and have a powerful connection that brings us closer to God.
If you think about it, reading the bible requires some amount of imagination.
We can hardly process David killing a giant with a stone without a mental picture, can we?
God has so generously created us with not only physical eyes, but with hearts that can see.
The entire bible is littered with imagery – from the magnificence of creation in Genesis through to fantastic prophecies in Revelation.
We also see that Jesus filled the eyes of His listeners by often using parables in His teachings. See Matthew 13:34.
David too employed the use of imagery to pen many of his psalms.
Psalm 23 for example presents powerful imagery that allows us to see God as the Good Shepherd for ourselves.
God has been known to speak to men of the bible in dreams and visions.
He still wishes that for us today:
17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
Acts 2:17 ESV
A powerful example of biblical visualization can be found in the story of Abraham.
God instructed Abraham to visualize all the generations that would come from him. Genesis 15:5
It is this promise and this act of imagining that birthed faith in “the Father of Faith”.
We see here that God first gave Abraham a spoken promise. Genesis 12:1-2 and then he gave him the divine picture.
Why We Should Practice Biblical Visualization
We can follow this very blueprint for our own lives.
When God gives us His promises, just like Abraham, we should ponder them.
By meditating and visualizing His promises, we get to see God produce breakthroughs and miracles in our lives.
We don’t get to determine the timeline and some things can take years.
Look at Abraham, he had a 25 year wait before he saw God’s promise begin to take shape.
One practical way that Christians practice visualization already is through taking Holy Communion.
Jesus instructs in Luke 22:19-20 (emphasis mine):
19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
By taking the opportunity to visualize Christ giving these instructions and imagining the somber tone and significance of the moment, we become greatly impacted.
Then, we are humbled each time we allow the imagery of His suffering on the cross to enter into our mind’s eye.
Our hearts go through a radical transformation from this imagery alone.
Not only that…
We are told to fix our eyes on our Savior – Hebrews 12:2
The truth is, we get more of what we focus on. If we focus on our problems, our problems persist.
We are better served by fixing our eyes on the One who has overcome and who is our Advocate.
If we want to become more like Jesus, we must keep our gaze on Him.
This is how we will radiate His goodness to unbelievers and let His light shine brightly in this world.
So Friends
Let us embark on this matter of visualizing the right way.
If we follow self-help gurus and visualize what we want sans the Father, we err greatly.
No, let us instead take full advantage of the plethora of truths sprinkled throughout the bible and empower ourselves by visualizing God’s promises.
Do that with us, and we will draw close to God together.
Let us approach His throne in unending awe and thanksgiving, dwelling perpetually under His shadow.
Before You Go
If you stuck with us up to this point, let us extend eternal gratitude.
Did you like our thoughts on what the bible teaches about visualization?
How do you look at it?If you liked this post, be on the lookout for our next one.
We will explore a practical example of visualizing scripture that really helps to fend off anxiety.
Also, because over here we love to state our faith through music, we will drop our recommendation for today.
We couldn’t resist this one because, not only is it a favorite, it has powerful visuals.
Perhaps, it may inspire you to visualize more deeply.
Enjoy…
I think this article is especially geared towards this generation in that they use their imagination a whole lot. Maybe as parents that’s the way we should try and teach them how to see the Word.