The Bible and The Transformation of Our Minds
God invites us to renew our minds. What does that mean and why is it important?
Romans 12:2 tells us,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Or I love how it’s translated in the NLT version, “Be transformed by changing the way that you think.”
For a long time, psychology held that our thought patterns are the product of the chemistry of our brains which doesn’t change. Yet, more recently, the concept of neuroplasticity has emerged, revealing that we have the capacity to rewire our brains by changing the way we think.
When we think, our brains fire electric signals between different cells to make connections, also known as neural pathways. Our brains are incredibly efficient; the more you think about something, the stronger the connection between those cells gets and the easier it becomes to think these thoughts. This means that certain thought processes can become so embedded ,almost automatic, that we don’t even realize we’re thinking them!
The more you tread a ‘path’, the more the ground wears. The less you tread it, the more it starts to fade away, until the path is no longer there.
What you use becomes stronger and more defined and what you don’t use starts to disappear.
The only way this changes is if you stop using it.
Be transformed by changing the way that you think.
Great, so what should we think about?
Philippians 4:9 encourages us to think about “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” All throughout the Psalms and Scripture, we see exhortations to constantly meditate on the Word of God. The beauty of this is it becomes the filter through which we see the world.
The Bible is also a “platform of hope”, which John Mark Comer defines as a “confident expectation of coming good, based on the person and promises of God.”
When we get to know God and really experience what His character is like, we gain confidence that He is good and that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. This brings hope. Alongside taking it to God in prayer, I suggest picking a truth in each of these categories relating to a specific situation that you would like to know more hope in.
For example, you’re searching for a job.
Truth of what God has said in his word
Philippians 4:19: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 9:8: God will generously provide all you need.
Truth of what God has said to you personally
God has specifically highlighted to me the verses ‘she laughs without fear of the future’ and ‘do not be anxious, but seek first the kingdom of God and all else will be added’. I can also remember all the times He has been faithful to provide a job/income at just the right time.
We find hope in focusing our minds on who He is, how He’s been faithful, and that He is good and wants good for us. We remember what He has already spoken in His Word, and to us personally. Trusting in God’s Word brings life.
Finally, we remember that we don’t do this alone, but with the Holy Spirit. God promises to never leave us or forsake us. So, whatever you’re facing, I encourage you to take it to God, and choose to focus your attention on who He is and what His word says.
-
