In my last post, I touched upon the importance of capturing our thoughts and surrendering them to God so that we can become victorious in overcoming fear and anxiety. We’re now going to address some tips on how you can renew your mind.
You’ve probably heard the saying that your tongue is a weapon; you can use it to build someone up or tear someone down. Or as the Bible says in Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” We need to apply this same principle to our thoughts, which are just unspoken words.
We have a choice to bring life into our thought life or bring death (fear, doubt, worry, anxiety) – all of the emotions that immobilize us. Today is our choice to line up our thoughts with God’s Word, His truth that NEVER changes. We also have the choice to make a difference in the lives of others, as well as in our own life.
How to Renew Your Mind
Just like all it takes is a spark to create a fire, all it takes is a thought to bring hope. Below you’ll find different tactics and steps that I use to help me renew my mind.
- Use scripture
With the Bible as our road map to life, answers to all of our problems can be found here – it’s just a matter of asking. So ask God to point out key verses in the Bible, search the Concordance in your Bible, make note of a powerful verse when reading the Bible. Some verses that I found to be uplifting in combating fear and anxiety. - Contact 5 people and let them know how they impacted your life
Be an encouragement to others. Just like everyone can always use prayer, everyone can always use a sincere word of encouragement. Be the light to someone else today. - Think about worse-case scenario
If everything went south, could you handle the situation? If the answer is ‘yes’, then you’re set for whatever challenges come your way. If the answer’s ‘no’, spend time reading your Bible to gain wisdom and insight so that you may have peace. - List 5 things that you’re thankful for today
From the small stuff to the BIG things, what are you thankful for today? There are no right or wrong answers, this is personal. (Thanks to my sis for this great tip.) Ideally, do this before your feet even hit the floor each morning. - Put things into perspective
A friend of mine always used to say, “Is it going to matter in 5 months from now, 5 days from now or 5 minutes from now?” Most of the things that I was worried weren’t important in the big picture. - Focus on here and now – not the ‘what ifs’
Don’t think beyond to what is outside of your control. Life is short. If our entire life is a vapor, your current situation is not even a blip on the radar screen. - Repeat positive thoughts out loud to yourself
Before Brian Tracy, a famous sales trainer, would go on a sales appointment he would say out loud ‘I like myself. I like myself. I like myself.’ over and over again. (Here’s a bonus marketing/psychology tip: you need to hear or read something three times before it sinks into your subconscious.) Repeating these positive thoughts, whatever it may be, will help to reinforce this new way of thinking. - Use a positive acronym for your passwords
Going back to the premise of repeating something over and over changes your thought pattern, use a positive acronym for your passwords. For example: I am fearfully and wonderfully made would be ‘IAFAWM.’ Every time you enter that acronym in for your password, you are repeating the saying again thus reinforcing it.
Your Turn
What steps do you employ to renew your mind? Any other scriptures that you found to be a powerful force in renewing your mind to help you overcome fear and anxiety?
You need to be in full time ministry. It is very easy to hear God speaking through your words. You will touch many hearts with this blog and many will be blessed
Thanks Jen! We will see where God takes it.
Awesome material Elizabeth! So proud of you! Amen to everything posted on this blog. You are going to be a blessing to so many people. God bless you!
Thanks Vivian!
love it…great stuff…thanks for sharing
Thanks Leo!
That is a great blog Elizabeth!! The renewing of your mind comes from also recognizing your identity which is in Christ. If you understand the nature of God and His character traits, it helps to put many things in perspective. Does God view you or a cirmcumstance the same way you do? As we journey with God and travel to those deep places in Him, He takes captive every thought that is opposed to Him and therefore, causes us to change our thought process(renewing our minds);)
Yes, such a great reminder to focus on who He is, as well as His character traits. Thanks for sharing Clare!
E, thank you for sharing your precious gift. It’s so easy to react after getting blind-sided by a person or situation. One thing I started recently to renew my mind and reactions with offenses is praying blessings over people who have offended me. Not just going to God “about” the person, but also “for” the person. Not easy at all, but works wonders in understanding how the offense got there – hurting people hurt others. When I pray blessings I focus on a scripture passage (like Col 3:12-15) and pray it for the person… Kinda different, but it helps renew my ways of thinking about a person or situation…
That is a great idea to pray ‘for’ the person – I like it! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! This was a great reminder of Tools that we all have to stay close to God and keep things in perspective
Thank you Ellen. Staying close to Him 24/7/365 is what it’s all about.
Loved this! What an encouragement Elizabeth! When you need a lil’ “renewing” yourself, just remember to go back and read all the positive, encouraging responses to this post.
Can’t wait to read the next one…but right now I’m busy changing all my passwords to acronyms!
Thanks Rhonda. As always, God is amazing! LOL on the passwords.
I truly believe God is using this blog to set people free. Thank you so much for being obedient.
It even includes a handy glossaryTo help you withThe gameTerminology