Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:2
This may be a bold statement to say but I feel like 90% of the battles I currently face are caused by my mind. The mind is so powerful, and if you don’t take the time to constantly renew it with truth, it can take you on a wild ride. Without the constant, daily renewal of your thoughts, your mind becomes a breeding ground for crippling fears and insecurity. My counselor once told me something that rocked me. She said, “It’s not what happens to us that causes the greatest pain, but more so the story we tell ourselves, in our mind, about those experiences, and the emotional connection we make to those lies.” Meaning that the deep work for our healing and wholeness is an inner work. All of our experiences are telling a message, So, our work requires us to rewire agreements we’ve made with some of the messages that our founded in lies and untruths. Luckily, we don’t have to do it alone. God is there with us through it all guiding us and leading us on the path that we should go.
Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. - Proverbs 4:23
What I’ve discovered, that has been so insightful, is that the brain doesn’t know the difference between a physically real threat and a psychological trauma. So, when our minds go into retelling these painful incidences, our bodies go into fight or flight, Survival mode. The same way it would if you were was being chased by a ferocious bear in the woods! It literally doesn’t know the difference! Hence, the anxiety and panic we face when dealing with hard things.
Take the time today to be intentional about filling your mind with truth and gratitude. Don’t walk by sight alone. Don’t fill your mind with the patterns of this world. I know a few tools that have been helpful to me are:
1. Not immediately going into social media when I wake up. But taking the time to align my thoughts with what God has for me that day, through prayer or scripture. Even taking breaks from social media can help reboot your mind and heart.
2. Inquire about the thoughts that plague your mind. Ask questions about them? Could this absolutely be true? Does this feel like confusion and fear or peace and wisdom? Where does this thought stem from, what is the root?
3. Breathing exercises, meditation and prayer, therapy and a support system are all amazing things to practice and set in place for your healing journey.
Let's pray together:
Lord,
Help me renew my mind daily. Show me the difference between what is from you and what is not. As I go into these broken places within, would you be there with me to help carry the weight? Lead me into truth and guide me to the path of true healing and wholeness. I thank you in advance for all the growth that I will experience as I do the work to heal and to draw near to you. Even when I can’t see what you’re doing or fear tries to step in, let my faith rise up within me.
Amen.
