“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.” Romans 12:2 NLT
There are four promises, or resolutions, that God makes to us in this verse:
He will transform us into a new person.
He will change the way we think.
We will learn God’s will for us.
His will is good and pleasing and perfect.
The one that I need to meditate on is that God is resolved to give us a new way of thinking. That’s a New Year’s resolution for you!
I’ve had the blessing of being in recovery from codependency for several years now. My codependent tendencies caused problems in my relationships and left me with bouts of depression and anxiety. You know how it is if you’ve ever experienced any of those; they’re always with you. You’re always recovering: learning ways to manage, cope and even thrive with the presence of that gloomy fog.
Not every day is a thriving day. But it can be. God’s unshakeable resolution says that He will transform us into a new person by changing the way that we think. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the chaotic thoughts of my mind. Many times I attempted to solve my own problems with my own strength. By seeking worldly wisdom and the support of people whose motivations may not have been trustworthy, I was more confused. Seeking approval and advice from people who were wise in the ways of the world left me empty.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world…”
In recovery, I sought the help of spirit-filled Christian brothers and sisters. I sought the help of a trusted professional counselor. I began reading about ways to change how I think.
Our beautiful brains are so intricate and complex that even now they are considered by scientists a frontier to be explored. Neurotransmitters send messages across synapses between neurons to tell us what to do and what to say and how to feel. I have read that the creation of a habit can take 21 days. The first time we do something, the neurons make a tentative connection. The second time, it’s made a bit stronger. As we sleep at night, our intricate brain is busy organizing all of those little messages and connections from the day. By the time we’ve done the action for 21 days and slept on it for 21 nights, our brain and body come to expect it. We can make a new connection for flossing our teeth every night, taking a walk or drinking hot lemon water every morning. Why can’t we train our brains to think about something differently?
Our mind is a powerful tool that we wield in our own lives. When we are surrendered to God, our mind is under His control. Sometimes we need trusted outside help to use this tool effectively. Our brains and what they are capable of is part of our living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1)
The renewing or rebirth of our minds is a promise. One of God’s New You Resolutions to us. I challenge you to take God’s New You Resolution for your own. Imagine with me, if you will, God’s Holy Banner, unfurled and planted firmly in the ground of this complex frontier; laying claim to His dominion over our beautiful minds.
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Sarah Flowers lives in idyllic Chadds Ford, where she is steeped in beauty and connection to the land and its history. She loves coffee and flowers and getting to know Jesus. A lifelong learner, she seeks to follow God’s plan to bring justice to the under-resourced. Sarah is a self-declared serial optimist and melodiphile; there’s always a path to the sunny side and a soundtrack for the journey! She is a mom and wife and a grateful alumna of Northwood University. Her former iterations include automotive professional and shoe diva.
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FIVE REASONS TO JOIN A WOMEN’S GROUP THIS JANUARY
Meet new friends
Ask questions of faith in a safe environment
Engage in thought provoking conversation
Explore more fully who Jesus is and why He's worth following
Discover it's more fun to do life in community!
CLICK HERE to view and/or register for our new winter women's groups. If you have any questions, please contact Carole Hoy at choy@willowdalechapel.org. We have a place for you!