How to Renew Your Mind in 5 Easy Steps (Plus 10 Scriptures)

🌺  Written by Guest

Wondering how to renew your mind and stray from the temptations and negativity of this world? Learn more about what the Bible says and how God can help you renew your mind. 

Woman smiling with words how to renew your mind in 5 easy stepsHave you ever had someone tell you that you’re full of negativity?

If you have, it may have taken you aback. None of us want to be a black rain cloud of negativity following others around and stealing their joy!

Or maybe instead you’ve realized that your head is filled with anxious thoughts, worry for the future, or overwhelm. Maybe it’s consuming you and taking over your life. I assure you, we’ve all been there.

 

So how can we bounce back and rid our minds of any lingering negativity and worry?

First, it’s important to know what the Bible says.

In Matthew 6:31-33 it says:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

 

As stated in the Bible, God will meet our needs so we no longer need to worry. All we have to do is seek first His kingdom and he will provide for us.

In order to get ourselves to this point of leaning on Him, we must first renew our minds to cast away those negative and worrisome thoughts.

 

What Does it Mean to Renew Your Mind?

 

Renewing your mind means trading in your old, worldly mind for a new, Christlike mind. When we do this, we’re able to take off our old self and put on our new self. This new self no longer plays into the ways and worries of this world. Instead, it is centered around God’s Will for us.

This process comes from the Bible verse in Romans 12:2 when Paul says,

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Once you renew your mind, you’re able to trust God and lean into His plan for your life. Although our human nature is to worry, we can rest in the fact that God is always in control. We don’t need to copy the behavior of those around us.

Instead, we can follow what He wants for us by focusing our thoughts on Him and allowing him to lead.

 

We can also see this in Ephesians 4:22-24 where we are told to take off our old self and embrace our new self which is created in God’s image.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

When we renew our minds and trade in our old selves, we instead take on the form of our new selves which are more like Him. As we take on this new form, it also allows us to put our concerns to bed and let God direct our steps.

 

Related Reading: How to Take Every Thought Captive

 

Why Do We Need to Renew Our Minds?

 

We need to renew our minds not only because it helps us stray from the negative thoughts that come from relying on our human understanding and because it helps us lean on God and allow Him to lead our lives. That’s what God wants from us!

God instructs us to lean on Him in Proverbs 3:5-6,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

 

When you renew your mind biblically, you tell God that HE is the leader and that you are willing to follow. Once we give up this control and hand it over to God, He makes our lives fruitful.

Why wouldn’t we want to renew our minds and let Him guide us? After all, He has an ultimate plan for our lives and isn’t it so exciting that we get to be along for the ride?

 

Also, when we lean into the worries and worldly nature surrounding us, we invite Satan into our lives.

Satan’s goal is to deceive and lead us astray. Thankfully, there is hope for all of us!

By renewing our minds, we can cast Satan aside and live for our true purpose following God.

 

What Does the Bible Say About Renewing Your Mind?

 

If we open our Bibles to Romans 12:1-2, we find the most commonly referenced Scripture about renewing your mind.

You can read the Scripture written by the Apostle Paul below.

“Therefore, I urge you, brother and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

 

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul states that you should renew your mind in order to meet God’s will.

Once we step away from the desires of our worldly hearts and turn to Him we will be able to walk in his purpose.

 

10 Bible Verses to Renew Your Mind

 

While Romans 12:1-2 is most commonly quoted, there are other Scriptures that tell us to renew our minds, as well. Take a look at some of the Scriptures below.

 

2 Corinthians 10:5

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

 

Psalm 1:2

“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

 

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, what is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

 

Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

 

Colossians 3:2

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

 

Ephesians 4:22-24

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

 

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

 

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”

 

Ephesians 6:11

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

 

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

 

How to Renew Your Mind in 5 Easy Steps

 

Now that you know why you should renew your mind, it’s important to discuss how to renew your mind. Check out these 5 easy steps below to help get you started!

 

1. Pray and Ask God for Help Renewing Your Mind

You know that you need to renew your mind and you know why. Take a moment to speak with God and share with Him the struggles that you are facing. Ask Him to guide you as you begin the process of renewing your mind and placing your life in His hands.

 

2. Use Your Bible as a Guide

The Bible is full of Scriptures and knowledge to help us navigate our lives.

Whether you spend time searching for verses related to stress, negativity, anxiety, or something else, the word of God is sure to help us through even the toughest times.

Plus, the more that we understand God’s word, the more that we can use it to get our thoughts back on track.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the Bible and allow it to encourage you as you begin this journey to renew your mind.

 

Related Reading: 10 Bible Verses About Trusting God in Difficult Times

 

3. Evaluate Your Thoughts

Have you ever had a thought and then immediately stopped yourself and wondered, “Why did I just think that?” That’s exactly what you need to do to get those negative thoughts out.

As soon as a negative thought pops into your head, cast it out of there. Refocus your mind on something positive. 

 

4. Speak Truth to Yourself

Once those negative thoughts have entered your head, remind yourself of God’s truth using Scriptures to help.

Check out some example Scriptures below to pray over when those negative thoughts invade:

 

  • Read this Bible verse when you’re feeling worried: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” –Philippians 4:6

 

  • Read this Bible verse when you’re feeling scared: “So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” –Isaiah 41:10

 

  • Read this Bible verse when you’re dealing with negative thoughts and words: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, what is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

 

These are just a few Scriptures; there are many more Scriptures that you can use to redirect your thoughts by reminding yourself of God’s presence!

 

Related Reading: How to Memorize Scripture (Quickly and Easily!)

 

5. Pay Attention to What You Consume

Have you ever stopped to think about what affects your thoughts? It can be the things we watch, the people we surround ourselves with, or the things we hear.

Guard your heart and your mind, by being sure that you aren’t the one allowing too much negativity into your mind.

 

Have you found the process of renewing your mind to be difficult or easy? Which Bible verses have been helpful to you on your journey of renewing your mind? Comment below to let us know!

Brittany Ann Equipping Godly Women

About the author

Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author of “Fall in Love with God’s Word” and “Follow God’s Will” and the founder of EquippingGodlyWomen.com, a popular Christian-living website dedicated to helping busy Christian moms find practical ways to go "all in" in faith and family. Her work has been featured on CBN, The Christian Post, Crosswalk, and more.

  1. I've had thoughts that pop up like"what if you just jump out of the car while it's on the hyway?" and it would terify me because I would immediately think"I don't want to hurt myself" (and I never did this) but it was scary because I didn't know why that thought would come into my mind, and I thought people would think I was crazy or suicidal if I told them. But then I started talking to sisters at church and found out that everyone has random thoughts that aren't where their heart is or how they really feel. Satan tempts us by putting random thoughts in our minds, just like he tempted Jesus. and Jesus took captive every thought and made it obedient to God. He threw out the lie and replaced it with God's truth. and it's wonderful that he gives us the power to do that also(it is his power,not ours ,

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