Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

Renewing Your Mind for Lasting Change

As women of faith, we often find ourselves hungry for more breakthrough—desiring deeper healing, greater freedom, and true transformation in our lives. Yet, many of us struggle with recurring battles, feeling stuck in old patterns of thinking, behavior, or emotions. The key to breakthrough lies not just in our prayers or actions but in understanding how our minds work and renewing our thought patterns according to God’s truth.

Let’s dive into some foundational principles about the mind and how we can align them with God’s Word to achieve the lasting change we crave.

(I love how Science is catching up with the Bible…)

The Rules of the Mind and Their Impact on Your Breakthrough

Our mind plays a powerful role in shaping our experiences and outcomes. It’s constantly working, often beneath the surface, to drive our choices and reactions. Here are three key “rules” of the mind that can either hinder or propel our progress:

1. The Mind Wants to Move You from Pain to Pleasure.

The mind is wired to avoid pain and seek pleasure. This is why we often find ourselves gravitating toward comfort zones, familiar habits, or things that provide immediate gratification—even if they’re not good for us in the long run. This rule is why breaking free from negative patterns can feel so difficult; our mind is simply trying to protect us from perceived pain.

 Biblical Insight:

The Apostle Paul spoke of this struggle in Romans 7:15-20, where he describes doing the very things he doesn’t want to do. Paul’s struggle highlights the battle within—the mind’s desire to avoid discomfort versus the Spirit’s call to walk in obedience.

 Breakthrough Tip:

To overcome this, begin reframing what pleasure truly is. Instead of seeing obedience to God as difficult or painful, remind yourself that true joy and peace are found in His presence and His ways (Psalm 16:11). 

2. The Mind Wants to Stay with the Familiar and Away from the Unfamiliar.

The mind is designed to keep us in what feels safe, known, and predictable. This is why change often feels so scary. Even when we know that a change would benefit us, our minds resist because it views the unfamiliar as risky.

 Biblical Insight:

This is similar to the Israelites wanting to return to Egypt, the place of their bondage, because it was familiar (Numbers 14:2-4). Even though they were physically free, their minds and hearts were still enslaved to the past.

 Breakthrough Tip:

Challenge familiar thought patterns by exposing yourself to God’s truth. Renew your mind with Scripture that speaks to who you are in Christ (Romans 12:2). The more you immerse yourself in God’s promises, the more you’ll begin to embrace new, godly mindsets as your “new normal.”

3. The Mind Only Gives You What It Thinks You Want.

Our subconscious mind takes in repeated thoughts, words, and actions, believing them to be instructions for what we desire. If you’ve consistently told yourself that you’re not enough, that you’ll never change, or that breakthrough isn’t for you, your mind takes this as your “order” and delivers more of the same.

 Biblical Insight:

Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” This underscores the power of our thoughts in shaping our reality. What we meditate on in our minds will eventually manifest in our lives.

 Breakthrough Tip:

Be intentional about what you feed your mind. Write down positive affirmations based on God’s Word, record them in your own voice, and listen to them daily. This practice not only fills your mind with truth but also signals to your subconscious that these are the beliefs you want to live by.

True Healing: It’s Not Just in Your Head, It’s in Your Cells

Did you know that the information you hold is not just stored in your brain but throughout your entire body? Your emotions, traumas, and even beliefs are held at a cellular level, affecting your health and overall well-being. This is why true healing must go beyond the conscious mind and touch the subconscious mind and body.

The Bible speaks of the connection between our thoughts and our physical bodies. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Our thoughts and emotional states directly impact our health, for better or worse. 

Breakthrough Tip:

To experience true healing, it’s essential to move beyond surface-level thinking (Beta brainwaves) and tap into a deeper awareness (Alpha brainwaves). This can be achieved through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and quiet reflection with the Lord. It’s in these moments of stillness that God can minister to the deepest parts of our being.

This is why a Christian Spiritual Direction session is so powerful. Encountering Jesus with the help of another leads us deeper into His truth. A session also disciples us to learn how to adopt an encounter lifestyle.

Renew Your Mind: The 21-Day Challenge

Studies show that it takes about 21 days to rewire your brain and form new habits. The Bible tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2), and neuroscience supports this truth—new neural pathways can be formed when we consistently think differently.

Breakthrough Tip: For the next 21 days, commit to daily truth meditations rooted in Scripture. Record these truths and declarations, such as, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) or “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Listen to these recordings of your own voice, allowing your mind and body to absorb God’s truth.

Install New Beliefs for Lasting Change

If we want lasting change, we must replace old, limiting beliefs with God’s unchanging truth. As Christian women, our ultimate source of breakthrough is found in aligning our minds with the mind of Christ. This isn’t about positive thinking for its own sake but about agreeing with what God says about us and rejecting every lie of the enemy.

“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.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)

Breakthrough Tip: 

Regularly audit your thoughts and beliefs. Whenever you catch a thought that doesn’t align with God’s Word, take it captive and replace it with His truth. Over time, this practice will not only renew your mind but also transform your life from the inside out.

Embrace Your Breakthrough & Renewal

Breakthrough is not just a one-time event; it’s a continual process of renewing your mind, healing at the cellular level, and aligning every part of your being with God’s truth. As you commit to this journey, remember that you’re not alone. God is with you every step of the way, empowering you to overcome and experience the abundant life He promised.

So, embrace this season of renewal. Train your mind to seek God’s pleasure over temporary comfort, to step into the new, and to fully believe in the goodness and power of your Heavenly Father.

Your breakthrough is not just possible—it’s within reach.

If you need deep healing prayer and help, don’t hesitate to reach out for a private session.

Scripture References: Romans 7:15-20, Psalm 16:11, Numbers 14:2-4, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 17:22, 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Let’s connect! Share your journey of renewing your mind and experiencing breakthrough in the comments. Let’s encourage one another in this powerful journey of transformation!

DIG DEEPER:
Join a tribe of women today.