The Thought Transplant

August 2026.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:5

I was in Salzburg, Austria for another Philharmonic tour. Mozart’s birthplace. You could almost smell the rich musical tradition…and taste it too, in their famous Salzburger Mozartkugel chocolate. The Grosses Festpielhaus was sold out, wall to wall people, and stifling hot. The second half of the concert was Mahler, the 4th Symphony. Mahler is achingly gorgeous, and anyone not busy having a panic attack would be moved to tears of bliss. But I couldn’t hear any beauty over my pounding heart and screaming thoughts. It was the slow movement. The violas and cellos had started the soft opening melody, and we inched closer to the exposed 2nd violin entrance. I knew what was coming. As soon as my bow hair met the string, it would probably scratch like a needle dropped down on a record. And Dr. Dre wasn’t exactly the vibe I was going for here. But I put my violin up and lifted the bow to start the first note. I’m either going to throw up or have a heart attack, or both. I forced my right hand and arm to start moving the bow on the string. Here goes nothing.

It wasn’t until I started reading the Bible that I realized this: the battle I had been losing for so long against anxiety is fought in the mind. Now I could see the war between truth and lies, between God and Satan. Since Satan isn’t powerful enough to destroy God, he goes after what God loves most: people. He kills, steals and destroys (John 10:10) …. through deception. In the Gospels, Jesus calls the devil “the father of lies.” Fear and anxiety are rooted in lies, not truth, and I finally realized I needed to examine all my thoughts and ask, what lie is creating this anxiety right now? Where did this thought come from? And what was the truth about my decades-old belief that I was an imposter, unworthy, not good enough? Who said so?

Overcoming anxiety requires knowing the truth, then doing something with it: managing our minds, and taking responsibility for our thoughts. ANTS, or automatic negative thoughts, will destroy our peace of mind, so we can’t afford to be passive. I was faced with an opportunity: was I willing to do something about my ‘stinkin thinkin?’ Would I dare to challenge my distorted internal narratives and faulty assumptions that had caused me so much anxiety throughout my life? I needed a wholesale, scorched-earth thought transplant.

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Yes! Please! A mind renewal! But how? What transforms us? (or Who transforms us?) Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you

free.” John 8:32. He also warned us what the devil’s agenda is: “He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is the father of lies.” John 8:44. Jesus refuted Satan’s temptations and lies with Scripture, (Matthew 4:1-11) saying “It is written.” We need to do the same thing when we’re tempted to believe a lie. But we have to know Scripture in order to use it! The devil is subtle. The lies look attractive and seem to make a lot of sense! (No one would be fooled by them otherwise) Note to self: don’t believe every thought that pops in your head!

Some may argue whether the Bible is true; but I can’t deny the efficacy of Scripture on my own mind and life. From the first day I started writing Bible verses on notecards and taping them on my mirror, the fridge, my violin case, my car dashboard, my mind began to be renewed, and I was transformed. I had PEACE. For the first time in my life. When anxiety tried to sneak in, I was ready with the weapon: TRUTH from the Word of God. “It is written.” And I saw firsthand the power in that weapon. The stronghold of anxiety came crumbling down.

Here are a few common lies that stoke anxiety, and some transplant thoughts from Scripture:

Anxious thought: “This will never get better. I’m doomed.”

God’s Word: “If you can believe, all things are possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23

Anxious thought: “This is just my lot in life.”

God’s Word: “If you have faith and do not doubt, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and cast into the sea, it will be done. Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:21

Anxious thought: “This is too hard for me.”

God’s Word: “The Lord God is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!” Habbakuk 3:19

Anxious thought: “My life has no purpose.”

God’s Word: “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:23

These verses are just a starting place. Read the Bible for yourself and hear how God speaks to YOU in your specific situation and needs. A daily spiritual practice of Bible reading will store up for you a reservoir of true, right, life-giving thoughts straight from God, to replace the ANTS. When you read, make note of any verses that stand out to you. And read them out loud!

Here are some of my personal ANT crushers that I brought with me mentally onto many concert stages, that demolished fear:

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Psalm 34:7

Take THAT, anxiety! A note here: don’t be discouraged if the battle keeps breaking out; the devil prowls around looking for opportunities. The war in the spirit realm will continue this side of heaven. Just remember, we have the weapon! Are you ready to pick up the Sword of the Spirit?