Renew Your Mind in 5 Steps
This is an easy to follow step-by-step guide to help renew your mind. Although the steps for this process are simple it does require time and a commitment on your part to do the work. All change must first start in the mind. Our thoughts influence our words and our words influence our actions. Because of that influence it’s vital to pay attention to what you are saying to yourself.
What Does it Mean to Renew your Mind?
The word renewing means to restore. To renew your mind means to restore your thoughts so they align with God’s truths. It means to literally evaluate your self-talk and see if what you think about yourself is founded in God’s truth or if you are believing Satan’s lies. You have to change your perspective and start seeing yourself and life through God’s eyes and His truths. What are those truths? You are a Child of God and worthy of love! Start with this sentence as your foundation. You can’t simply change your words or repeat positive affirmations for true and lasting change. To do this successfully, you need to study and learn God’s Word so that you can evaluate every thought and compare it to what God says about you.
Step 1 - Repent
Before coming into God’s presence first spend time repenting for not believing what God has said about you in the Bible. You are God’s masterpiece. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God loves you so much he sent his one and only Son to die on the cross so that you could have eternal life. His love for you is undeniable, real, and unconditional. Admitting your sins and being forgiven is a great way to start the renewal process. We often think we are going to get in trouble with God while repenting but you may be surprised to encounter His compassion and understanding. Repenting is good for your body, mind, heart and soul. Once you repent, God forgives you! Don’t live in guilt or shame. Those emotions are an attack from Satan. God loves you! Jesus died so we can live in freedom, not guilt and shame.
Step 2 - Praise God
Give God praise for being a good, and loving God and Father. Give Him praise for your life and for sending His Son to die in your place. Giving praise is an essential part of a relationship with God. He deserves the praise and saying thank you isn’t an unreasonable request when someone gives you a gift so thank Him for all the good things in your life.
Step 3 - Speak Scripture & Affirmations
Start this process by writing down the things you say to yourself. Review the Cognitive Distortion Chart by clicking here to help identify the distortion that matches your thought. Once the specific cognitive distortion has been identified, search for a Bible verse and/or positive affirmation to counteract it. Whenever the negative thought enters your thoughts, counteract it with the Bible verse or positive affirmation. Hold every thought accountable. You can do this!
Speaking Scripture is powerful. God loves to hear us speak His Word back to Him. If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself. Stand on His promises. Write out 2-4 affirmations on a notecard and tape it to your bathroom mirror, refrigerator, and computer monitor. Put them somewhere on your cell phone. This helps remind you to speak them throughout the day. Speaking Scripture and positive affirmations out loud brings more focus and power to the words. Obviously, that option isn’t always feasible so say them silently when needed. How can you fit these into your busy schedule? Utilize your time in the shower, meal preparations, driving in the car, or standing in line at a store.
If you suffer from low self-esteem a great affirmation to use is, “I am a Child of God and worthy of love.” Speak the affirmations 10 times each 3 times a day.
Be Transformed by the Renewing on Your Mind
“Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and prefect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (WEB)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a great tool to help figure out the cognitive distortions in your thinking. It’s helpful in teaching how to change your thinking and using a Christian Counselor trained in CBT is highly recommended to incorporate God’s Word to counteract the distortion. Changing your thinking process can be done. Your brain is neuroplastic and can be re-wired. For more information about neuroplasticity, please refer to the book, “The Brain that Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge MD. If getting therapy isn’t feasible in your situation there are many Cognitive Behavioral Therapy books and online worksheets available to help.
Step 4 - Bible Study
This step is critical and a game changer. In order to renew your mind you MUST spend time in God’s Word.
Step 5 - Prayer
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you better thoughts. Ask Him for guidance in what Bible verses and positive affirmations to use. Surender and give the Holy Spirit control of your mind.
When you start the process of renewing your mind, be sure to take a break from the news, tv, and social media. Dedicate that time you used to spend on those activities and spend it in God’s word. Learning and applying God’s truth will not only set you free but transform you. This isn’t a quick fix. It takes daily practice for several months but you will start to see the difference. Even if you don’t believe you are God’s masterpiece continue to speak the words because your body is listening.