The dictionary defines confirmation bias as “the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information that confirms or supports one’s prior beliefs or values”. This tendency to only look for and accept information and circumstances that confirm what we already believe can be very problematic. For instance, a person with low self esteem tends to be overly sensitive to being ignored by other people. This makes them biased towards negative interpretations of the actions of others; perhaps they walk into a room and notice another person is frowning at them and they immediately assume that this person doesn’t like them. They are unaware that the actual reason for the other person frowning was because they just finished a phone call where they received some bad news. The problem becomes worse over time because from that point forward confirmation bias will tend to make the individual focus on and accept information that confirms the belief that the other person doesn’t like them, while simultaneously rejecting any information that contradicts that belief. This is a very real problem that many people suffer from. How can we overcome it?
The Bible offers us a great solution to the problem of confirmation bias by teaching us the importance of developing and maintaining a positive attitude in all aspects of life:
“This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24
God encourages us to begin the day with a positive outlook. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that God knows what our tendencies are. He is the one that made us and He knows that we tend to look for things that confirm what we have already decided to believe in. So …He encourages us to start the day believing that today is going to be a good day! In this way confirmation bias actually becomes an asset to us as we continue through the day finding multiple reasons to confirm that indeed today is a good day!
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches us that we need to be looking for “the kingdom of God” first and foremost. He used nature as an example of seeing what the rule and dominion of God really looks like. In verse 26 He tells us to look at the “birds of the air” and points out that the reign of God in nature makes sure that they are well fed. Then in verse 28 he continues by saying “consider the lilies of the field” and He points out that they are arrayed in far more beautiful clothing than that which King Solomon ever wore. The point of this is to demonstrate that wherever you find the dominion of God ruling – you will find great and wonderful things! This is demonstrated in God’s natural “kingdom”, and it is demonstrated in his Spiritual Kingdom as well.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
How do you begin your day? What do you look for throughout the day? What is it that you are seeking? When we begin the day by declaring: “THIS is the day that Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it”, you are off to a great start. As you go through your day you will find confirmation after confirmation as to the truth of that statement. Yes, today is going to be a great day!