Renewing the Mind: Part II

Scripture is powerful! When we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we are reminded of His promises and empowered to live in truth.

Yesterday, we were introduced to the topic of the mind and why renewing it is so important. We learned that identifying ungodly thought patterns and taking thoughts captive is key to transformation. Today, we're continuing that journey by focusing on the importance of meditating on God's Word.

We often hear at church that we should be reading our Bibles regularly—this is exactly why! You can't recognize a lie if you don't know the truth. Psalm 119:11 (NLT) says, "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." The more we meditate on the Word, the more it renews both our hearts and our minds. The next time doubt tries to creep in, counter it with Scripture. For example, Philippians 4:13 (NLT) says, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Memorizing and meditating on God's truth strengthens us, keeps us grounded, and causes the enemy to back off.

We must also learn to set our minds on Kingdom things. Much of our attention is consumed by daily responsibilities—managing the household, raising children, working, and trying to hold it all together. But Colossians 3:2 urges us to ensure our minds are meditating on the things above, not on things here on earth. This means we must change our perspective from temporary struggles to eternal truths. When we begin focusing more on worship, prayer, and spiritual growth—in ourselves and in our families—we start to see things differently. We realize that God is working even in the small, ordinary moments. When we align our thoughts with His, peace floods in. He speaks to us, He guides us, and He comforts us through the Holy Spirit.

This practice must become a daily habit. Renewing your mind is not a one-time decision; it's a lifestyle. God has equipped us with the tools we need to stay strong in our faith and silence the lies of the enemy. Each morning, begin by declaring a Scripture that affirms your identity in Christ. Choose to walk in truth before your feet hit the ground.

Be patient with yourself in this process. Growth takes time—but you're never doing it alone. The Holy Spirit is your helper, guiding you and transforming your mind with God's peace, wisdom, and love.

As you go about your day, take a moment to check in with your thoughts. Are they aligned with Scripture? If not, take them captive and replace them with God's truth. This is how your freedom begins.

Points to Ponder:

• Am I willing to participate in my own healing? God is ready to heal, but am I ready to surrender, trust, and do the heart work required—no matter how painful or uncomfortable?
• What beliefs am I holding onto that don't align with God's truth? Are there lies from my past—about my worth, identity, or future—that I need to bring before the Lord and replace with His Word?