How to Change Your Mind

Have you ever heard of a person who accepted Christ and seems to have instantly transformed into a different person? All it took was one moment and addictions broke, their life was restored, and they seemed great?

Well, the reality is that although that can happen, more often than not, change happens over time, especially in regards to modes of thinking. Our mind is a powerful tool; it has the power to direct our lives if we learn to submit it to God’s instructions.

Apostle John says,

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

3 John 2:1

John makes mention here that in order for us to see real and lasting change outwardly, we must first address the inward issues.

“My Mind Will Change When My Life Changes”

Sometimes people believe the lie, “If God really wants me to change my mind, He would change my circumstances.”

However, Scripture flips the script in Romans.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2

This verse says our mind has to be changed before our life can be. When you begin to meditate on the Bible, you will notice that it will birth a change in your character. You’ll grow in patience, love, and the fruits of the Spirit because of the new flow of Godly thoughts infiltrating your mind. You won’t have to wait for your spouse to change their behavior in order for you to change yours. The Word of God will be at the forefront of your mind, and it will be much harder to act out in ways that are contrary to Scripture’s depiction of Christian behavior.

Satan uses thoughts to harass Christians. If you hold onto that and allow the thoughts that the devil plants to take root in your mind, they will begin to develop a life of their own and will build demonic strongholds. Meditating on lies from the enemy so much that they begin to feel real, is the process that begins to open doors to demonic influence; God wants to liberate us from that. 

Your life is currently following the direction of your most dominant and strongest thought.

You Can’t Change Your Mind Until You Take Responsibility for Your Thoughts.

You can’t change your mind in an instant. Believing your mindset will completely change in an instant is like thinking a hole in your wall can be fixed by simply wishing it would disappear. Mindsets do not change instantaneously; understanding this is the first step in the process towards renewal. There isn’t an instant prayer that can change a mindset. Just like there isn’t a prayer that can take a bicycle and turn it into an airplane.

Changing your mind begins when you take responsibility for your thoughts. 

Changing your mind begins when you take responsibility for your thoughts.

Philippians says,

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

We have to remove this lie that I cannot control my thoughts. You cannot control your mind until you take responsibility for your thoughts. You can control your thoughts, otherwise, the Bible wouldn’t tell you to think about these things.

You can’t control your mind until you take responsibility for your thoughts.

Care For Your Brain’s Health

Next, take care of your brain’s health. Your brain is a vital organ in your body that allows you to function day-to-day. The brain is like the piano and your mind is like a pianist. If the keys are damaged, the piano cannot be played properly.

Take time to feed your brain with books and knowledge; constantly be growing. Give yourself time to rest so your mind can be at ease, and gradually change certain eating habits so you can ensure your brain is receiving the correct nutrients daily.

Get Out of Your Head

Remember that you have thoughts; you are not your thoughts. Be aware in moments when your thoughts take a life of their own; you’ll need to stop them.

The Bible says,

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…

Proverbs 23:7

Tell your mind what to do and do not let your mind dictate your mood, emotions, and life.

You have thoughts; you are not your thoughts.

Capture Your Thoughts Before You Can Take Them Captive

You cannot take thoughts captive until you capture them. Before we can take our thoughts captive, we first have to become aware of them. The best way to do this is simply to take a pause and observe your thoughts. When you are aware of certain feelings or behaviors that come to mind, then it becomes easier to address them. For instance, if you notice thoughts of rejection, then you are able to actively fight against that exact feeling by doing the opposite of what it is trying to convince you to believe. Then, it will become easier to notice the difference between your thoughts and the fiery darts which are being launched against you (Ephesians 6:16-17).

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Ephesians 6:16-17

Don’t Focus On Emptying Your Mind – Fill It With Truth

Remember that your mind is a battlefield constantly trying to be conquered by lies that satan throws your way. In order to win the victory in the area of your mind, you must fill your thoughts with the Truth.

Scripture says,

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.

Psalms 1:2

Many people don’t change their minds because they are lazy with their thinking. Don’t be passive in regards to what fills your mind. God wants to direct your life, and He can do so through your active participation in filling your thoughts with the truth that Scripture says.

You can either take your thoughts captive or be a captive of your thoughts.

Take Every Thought Captive Like a Prisoner of War

Scripture says,

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

You can either take your thoughts captive or be a captive of your thoughts. God has given you the authority to confront the thoughts satan throws at you and bring them to the subjection and obedience of the truth found in Scripture.

Don’t be discouraged in this process. As mentioned above, this process takes time, but it’s not impossible. Take time daily to read and memorize Scripture and you will begin to notice that you will become more aware of contrary thoughts that try and enter your mind.