Renewing Your Mind / Author: Cynthia Greene
The words we say to ourselves have direct consequences on our overall health and well-being. Research shows that:
- Words have an impact on how our body system operates.
- Hateful words can cause the the brain to release harmful hormones into the bloodstream.
- Kind words can calm us down.
What words are you telling about yourself? Are they True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? Kind?
Examples of lies we might tell ourselves include:
- “I will never be good at ____”
- “I’m not good enough ____”
- “No one loves me….”
- “I am not pretty, smart, good at____”
But there is hope! These lies can be defeated!
As Christians we can defeat the lies through the renewal of our mind with the Truth of God. The minute a lie comes to mind we can say “Stop, you aren’t allowed to enter my mind”. Renewal of the mind, creating new neuro-pathways in our brain, happens when we replace the lies with the Truth.
Read God’s Word
Solomon, a Biblical King known for his wisdom, wrote, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23). With God’s help we can take incorrect thoughts captive and replace them with God’s Truth.
- When you start to worry, read Philippians 4:6-7.
- When you feel alone, read Hebrews 13:5.
- When you think no one loves you, read John 3:16
- When you are afraid, read 2 Timothy 1:7.
- When you want to know the truth, read Psalm 25:5.
- When you think you can’t do something, read Philippians 4:13.
Renewing your mind aligns your thoughts with the Truth of God’s Word. It takes daily practice to capture our thoughts moment by moment. This is how we defeat the enemy.
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Suggested Actions:
- Read: 3 Tactics to Overcome Negative Self Talk
- Listen to the Podcast: How to Not Let Other People’s Words & Actions Negatively Impact You
- Add songs to your Playlist that are uplifting and encouraging
- Pray that God helps you think of yourself as: Loved, Wonderful, Created, and Unique.
- Spend time with people that are encouraging
Related Posts:
- What Are You Telling Yourself?
- Words Matter
- Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions
- How to Stop Negative Thoughts
Journal Prompts:
- T.H.I.N.K –Are you saying things to yourself that are True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? Kind?
- What lies are you believing? Find scripture(s) to combat the lie.
- How well do I love myself?
- How kind am I when I need care and compassion?
- How well do the words you speak to yourself and others align with the truth in Philippians 4:8?
- What steps can I take to improve what I say to myself?
Sources:
TED Talk: People’s words and actions can actually shape your brain.
