How to change your mind

Ashley Dannelly

Every now and then, I go through seasons where I look at other Christians and wonder why I don’t have what they have. They seem so close to God — so in tune with His will and His plans — while I feel far from Him and unaware of what He’s doing. 

Have you ever felt this way?

When we question why others have more intimate, meaningful relationships with the Lord, we are identifying a need in our own lives to grow closer to Him. The good news is God wants us to know more of Him, and His Word makes it clear how we can improve our relationships with Him.

Renew Your Mind

In Romans 12:2, the Bible says, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Real transformation happens as we change how we think, not just what we do. We can’t grow closer to God while clinging to the empty promises this world has to offer. But when we allow God to change our mind, it changes our lives. 

So how does this renewal happen? Thankfully, God shows us in His Word a few good places to start: 

1. Read the Bible. 

God wants us to cherish His Word. The Bible is God’s love letter to His people. It’s our family history and our guide. The Bible is the place we go for help, for instruction, for comfort, and for perspective (Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). A great way to grow closer to God is to read our Bibles every day.

2. Surround yourself with other Christians. 

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” If we want to grow, we need to surround ourselves with other Christians who challenge us to rely more and more on the Lord.

3. Commit to doing what God says.  

Change doesn’t come without commitment. If we want to see lasting change in anything, including our relationship with God, we have to be willing to stick with it regardless of whatever else is going on in our lives. 1 Corinthians 15:58 is a reminder to stand firm in the faith: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

As we renew our minds and put our focus on God, we will hear from Him, learn more about His plan, and experience His peace.