Have you ever had a "normal" day, and all of a sudden, a random, unwelcomed thought popped into your mind? Maybe you tried to focus on something else, but you couldn't seem to shake that thought? You couldn't seem to get that one thought out of your head... and then it spirals into more negative thoughts? That has happened to me many times, and I'm pretty certain that it happens to all of us. Over many years, through trials and difficult times, the Lord taught me that it's important to "think about what you're thinking about." The enemy of our souls will try to consume our minds with thoughts that are not beneficial to us and can harm our walk with God. I had to learn the principal of "renewing your mind" taught in Romans 12:2, and I would love to share it with you.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
What does it mean to "Renew your mind"? Renewing your mind is a concept taught in the Scriptures in Romans 12:1-2. It’s the process of recognizing that our mind needs continual renewal because of the sinful world that we live in. When we give our lives to Christ, we become a new creation. Our eternal destiny is changed forever, but we must work with God in a process called “sanctification” - allowing Him to change us from the inside out to become more like Jesus. Renewing our minds is intentionally choosing to align our thinking to God’s Word and God's ways. Old mindsets, ways we have been “brought up”, and misunderstanding of Scripture, can keep us in wrong patterns of thinking for years, or even a lifetime. These can be destructive to the Christian who wants to live in the freedom of Christ.
If you've ever found yourself trapped in these destructive patterns of negative thinking, I want to encourage you that change is possible, through Christ! Ask God to give you fresh eyes to recognize unhealthy thought patterns, and help you to become aware of areas in your life that you could possibly have a wrong mindset. With God, all things are possible! God created You, and He created your mind, and He wants to help you in this area. I have listed out some of the steps in the process of renewing your mind below:
How to Renew your mind:
1. Recognize that your mind is the battleground. Your mind is the battlefield on which the war for your emotions, purpose, effectiveness for Christ, and fullness of life is won or lost. It’s in your mind that the enemy tries to attack and derail God’s plan for our lives. It’s in your mind that you love the Lord, think about Him, and have a desire to follow His plan. It’s no wonder that the enemy tries to attack our minds. It’s also in our minds (hearts) where we have a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:4
Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe,
lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,
who is the image of God, should shine on them.
2. Read the Scripture. Fill your mind with the Word of God. This is how you get the truth inside of you! You can do this using many methods such as listening to the Bible on your phone, reading the written Word of God, listening to music that is filled with God's Word, and looking up specific verses that pertain to areas that you're struggling with in your thought life.
Lamentations 3:21-32
This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
3. Meditate on Scripture. Meditating is simply recalling that Scripture over and over in your mind. It's continually thinking on it, but this is an intentional choice. Choose a specific verse, or passage of Scripture. Focus on it and ask God to bring that Scripture to pass in your life. Write out that verse on note-cards and put them up on your mirror, in your car, anywhere you can see them daily. Say them out loud, over and over again. When you read God's Word out loud, you're seeing it, hearing it, and verbalizing it!
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
4. Choose to align your thinking to the Word of God. If you notice that you’re thinking thoughts that do not line up with God’s Word, ask God to change you from the inside out. Don’t let your mind wander. The Bible tells us to "set" our minds (Romans 8:5-6). You must be very intentional about the thoughts you are dwelling on. Evaluate your thoughts. Ask the Lord to give you a godly perspective and help you to see things His way, which is the true way.
Romans 8:5-6
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
5. Replace each lie with a truth. If God’s Word is the truth, then anything that contradicts it is a lie. As Christians, many of us fall into the trap of “believing lies” for years until we discover God’s truth about any number of things. By filling your mind with the truth of God and His Word, you will begin to replace old thinking patterns, ideas, fears, and even hurtful things done to you. God can heal you of hurts that you’ve endured by others. When you accept God’s truth and trust Him, you begin to break free of being held captive by the lies of the enemy, or a painful past.
6. Remember that renewing your mind is a process. God works with us as we yield to Him over time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Trust God and His Word, and continue to work with Him to help you renew your mind. This process is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with the Lord, and be willing to put in the work that it takes to see victory in this area.
Colossians 1:21-22
And you, who once were alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy,
and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—
This is just the beginning of learning to renew your mind. Working with God to change wrong thinking patterns can require us to invite others into our life for additional support, such as counseling, therapy, community, and being a part of a loving church family.
Prayer Points:
· Jesus, I thank You that I can have a renewed mind, through Your power.
· God, forgive me for anything harmful or unhelpful that I have put into my mind.
· Lord, please heal my hurts and the brokenness that I have experienced due to others.
· Holy Spirit, bring Scripture to light that will help me to renew my mind.
· Lord, I trust You with the process, and choose to align my thinking to Your Word.
Father God,
I come before You in the mighty Name of Jesus, and I ask You to renew my mind. I want to align my thoughts with Your Word. Lord, please give me a fresh perspective that is truth-filled. I want to see things Your way, Lord. I thank You that the renewal of my mind is possible, and that You are more powerful than any problem that I face. I humbly ask You to help me have victory in my thought life. Lord, please forgive me for putting anything into my mind that has been harmful. Please heal and restore the broken places in my life and the pain that others have caused me. I recognize that this process is only possible with Your help, and want to be patient and trust You with all that I am.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
In Christ Alone,
Michelle Staubs
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