📣Cognitive Dissonance, the Nervous System, and Overcoming Through Christ 📣
- overcomerinhim1021
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
🤔Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that arises when we hold two conflicting beliefs or when our actions contradict our values. This is especially common in difficult or traumatic situations where our nervous system is trying to keep us safe.
Our survival instinct often pushes us to rationalize harmful behaviors, stay in unhealthy situations, or suppress truths that feel too painful to face.
🤔The Nervous System’s Role in Cognitive Dissonance
When we experience trauma or emotional distress, our brain's survival mechanisms (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) take over. Cognitive dissonance can manifest as:
👉Justifying toxic relationships to avoid the pain of loss.
👉Blaming ourselves rather than facing the reality of someone else's wrongdoing.
👉Minimizing abuse or sin because the truth is too painful to confront.
👉Holding onto false hope instead of accepting God's call to walk away.
👉This inner conflict creates stress, anxiety, and confusion, often leading us away from God's truth.
🤔How to Recognize Cognitive Dissonance in Our Lives
👉Pay Attention to Inner Conflict – Do you feel tension between what you believe and how you’re acting? (Romans 7:15)
👉Notice Patterns of Justification – Are you making excuses for behaviors that contradict God's Word? (Isaiah 5:20)
👉Observe Physical Responses – Do you feel anxiety, fatigue, or distress when facing certain truths? (Psalm 34:18)
👉Healing Through Truth in Christ
📣God calls us to renewal, not deception. Recognizing cognitive dissonance is the first step to overcoming it in His strength.
👉Seek God’s Truth Over Comfort – “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
👉Let Go of False Idols – This includes toxic people, relationships, or beliefs that take God’s place in our hearts. (Exodus 20:3)
👉Trust God's Plan, Even When It’s Painful – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
👉Rewire Your Thoughts with Scripture – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
👉Engage in Nervous System Regulation – Prayer, worship, deep breathing, and movement help bring our bodies into alignment with peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)
📣Using Cognitive Dissonance for Growth
Instead of fearing inner conflict, we can use it as a spiritual checkpoint. When we feel that tension, it's an invitation to examine our beliefs, align with God’s truth, and walk in obedience. By working through the discomfort with Him, we become stronger, wiser, and more discerning—better equipped for His kingdom work.
Overcomers in Him, what areas in your life are creating cognitive dissonance? How can you lean into God’s truth today to walk in freedom? 🙏💜
If this is you and you need professional support to come alongside you in your healing journey, who has also been there, take that first step by reaching out to me to set up a time to discuss what that would look like and begin your BREAKTHROUGH to taking your life back and become the woman God created you to be.
Connie Dunn, BSN, RN, NC-BC, BC-MHC
Board Certified Trauma Informed Nurse Coach
Christian Mental Health Coach (American Academy of Christian Counselors)
Certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist
Certified Somatic Experiencing, Positive Psychology, & Brainspotting Practitioner
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