WHY I’M KICKING OFF THE NEW YEAR RENEWING MY MIND!

Why I’m Kicking Off the New Year Renewing My Mind!

I’m forever reading about the significance of our thoughts and what we allow in our minds. I understand the importance of our thoughts because they become our actions and influence our behavior (and our identity, but more on that later this month). If we are not intentionally renewing our minds with God’s Word, how will we discern what is good, acceptable, and perfect?

“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 (NKJV)

So, why do we have a sincere desire to grow in spiritual maturity, deepen our walk with God, and set off with the best of intentions for the new year, yet rarely realize the importance of renewing our minds? We hit the restart button with several intentions, including renewing our goals, restating our purposes, and establishing better habits. Sounds great, yes? But what if our thoughts aren’t buying into our plans and intentions? What if our mindset is thinking the same old, same old?

Our Thoughts are Critical to Our Success

Hear me out. I bought new running shoes this weekend. I’ve had a goal to start running for a few years. My friend Milena runs; she inspires me. She’s a get-it-done individual. When Milena has a goal, she knocks it out of the park if you know what I mean. You could say she’s somewhat of a running coach for me, encouraging me to make it happen.

This weekend, I purchased some great running shoes, downloaded the Couch to 5K app, and found an accountability partner (Milena). But I need to remind myself that running is perfectly acceptable, and that I am a runner working toward my goal. However, should my mind send a different message, “What are you thinking? You’re not a runner. Do you know how hot it gets in Florida, and you’re going to run 3+ miles????” With these thoughts swirling through my mind, I’m not sure I’ll reach my goal or even begin to try out my new running shoes unless I’m walking aRLo around the loop!

My thoughts are critical to my success. My experiences can hold me back or move me forward. To move forward, I need to renew my mind by focusing on what is good and acceptable.

Renewing Our Thoughts Leads to Transformation

Reconditioning our thoughts leads to transformation (working from the inside out), and our minds are changed by prayer, reading, and reflection on God’s Word. 

Through worship and meditating on God’s Word, our thinking is continually renewed by the Holy Spirit.

“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 (NKJV)

My King James Study Bible (Holman) lists the qualities needed to create peace in our thoughts and mind (Philippians 4:8): True is truthfulness; Honest is noble, to be respected; Just is offering people what is deserved; Pure is holy in relation to God; Lovely is attractive; Of good report is praiseworthy; Virtue is moral excellence; and Praise is showing admiration to God.

As we focus our thoughts on these qualities – what is good, pure, and true – we invite peace into our minds, and most importantly, we grow spiritually as we invite God’s presence, the Holy Spirit, to fill our thoughts. My prayer is to fill my thoughts with God’s Word to invite peace into my life. This peace will overflow into every area of my life – my words, actions, and behaviors. And this, my dear friend, is my desired outcome for the future. Not just to achieve a specific goal, but for eternity.

30-Day Challenge to Renew Our Minds

Today, I’m challenging you to renew your mind for 30 days! I hope you’ll join me and commit to filling your mind with what is good and acceptable. Commit to reading Scripture or a devotional daily for the next 30 days. After 30 days, let me know if you experience any changes or transformations. I’m seeking more strength, peace, and spiritual growth — let’s do this together!

As I write this post, my favorite song by Lauren Daigle, ” You Say, ” is playing. A great kick-off to the “Renewing My Mind” challenge – are you with me?

“I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough

Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up

Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?

Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know”

Lauren Daigle, You Say, Look Up Child Album

Image Credit by Parinaz Wadia Illustration & Design