Renewing Your Mind Biblically When the Enemy Reminds You of Your Past
Can I tell you something? There are days when I sit in my quiet space and the old voices try to sneak right back in. You know the ones. They say you’re not enough, you are defined by your worst days, or you’re stuck with those old labels. I’ve been there. And I bet you have too.
In our recent podcast episode, Bree and I got real about how easy it is for shame and memories of the past to keep us held back. But here’s the thing: renewing your mind biblically isn’t just a one-time event. It’s a daily, even hourly decision to tune out the noise of the enemy and focus on what God has already done and is doing right now. If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from those old patterns and step into the freedom God promises, this is for you, Finding purpose in suffering.
Why Does the Enemy Try to Define Us by Our Past?
How many of us have felt like whatever we went through, whatever we did, that’s who we are? I remember those moments sitting in the middle of answered prayers, still feeling like my old self was right there in the room. The truth is, the enemy loves nothing more than to whisper, “That’s all you’ll ever be.”
The reason renewing your mind biblically is so important is because the enemy wants to keep us stuck in shame, Finding God in Hard Times. He wants us focusing on what went wrong or who we used to be. But God tells a different story. God makes all things new. In Second Corinthians, we see “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB) That’s not just a one-time deal. It’s ongoing, right now, even in your messiest moments.
What Does Renewing Your Mind Biblically Look Like Every Day?
Let me tell you, I used to think renewing your mind biblically had to be complicated, Gratitude practices for healing. Like you needed a quiet room, an hour of focused prayer, or ten devotionals lined up on your kitchen counter. But that’s not what it looks like for most of us. Bree shared in our episode that her best prayers happen in her car, running errands, talking to God like a friend.
I want to remind you of a few practical ways to put this into motion:
- Talk to God all day long (in the car, in the shower, while walking the dog)
- Thank Him specifically for your answered prayers, even the small ones
- Remind yourself who God says you are, not what the enemy says
- When negative thoughts show up, swap them for truth from scripture
It’s not about having perfect words or waiting until you “feel” super spiritual. Renewing your mind biblically happens right in the midst of real life, even when life feels messy or heavy.
How Can We Recognize God’s Work Right Where We Are?
Can I ask you something? How often do you stop and look around and realize you are living out things you used to pray for? I do this on the days when my mind starts spinning. Bree reminded us of how even in the simple, daily stuff, God is showing up – answered prayers, restored relationships, strength we didn’t know we had. Renewing your mind biblically includes naming those blessings out loud.
I want you to pause right now and look at your surroundings. Are you in a safe place? Do you have people who love you? Is there something, even something small, that feels like a gift from God? These are the fingerprints of grace. These are reminders that your past is not your label anymore. God’s in the business of redemption, not reminders of failure.
Practical Steps to Notice and Name God’s Goodness
- Keep a gratitude list (even just a quick note in your phone)
- Share answered prayers with a friend or in your community
- Celebrate progress, not just perfection
- Let today’s blessings drown out yesterday’s doubts
Every time the enemy tries to remind you of who you were, speak out what God has done. Speak it. Even if it feels awkward. Even if you’re not sure you believe it yet. That’s a piece of choosing to renew your mind biblically every single day.
How Does Community Help Us Renew Our Minds Biblically?
I used to think I had to figure this out on my own. But let me tell you, the people around us matter. In our episode, we talked about how sometimes others see the change in us before we feel it ourselves. Bree’s story about being asked to lead young adults in ministry, even when she didn’t “feel” qualified, reminded me how much we need each other.
Renewing your mind biblically is easier when you’re surrounded by voices that remind you of truth instead of old lies. Who’s in your circle? Do you have people who will call out the good in you, point you to God’s promises, and help you see what God is doing? If you don’t, this is your invitation to find that. Your story matters in community. We build each other up, especially when it gets hard.
Ways Community Shapes Our Mind Renewal
- Share honestly about struggles and victories
- Speak life over each other, not old labels
- Pray with and for your friends daily
- Remind each other of God’s track record – He doesn’t fail
Some of my biggest mind shifts have happened because someone else reminded me who God says I am. Don’t underestimate that.
What Happens When We Start Renewing Our Minds Biblically?
Here’s what I’ve learned. When we start renewing our mind biblically, we stop believing every old label or accusation the enemy throws at us. We start speaking life and light into our days, into our families, into our future. It’s not about becoming perfect or forgetting your story. It is about letting God write a new chapter through you.
I’m not saying it happens overnight. Even now, some days I fall back into old thinking patterns. But instead of letting them stay, I talk to God. I tell Him what’s going on in my mind and I ask for help. I thank Him for the places He’s brought me out of. I celebrate the answered prayers I’m already living. That is how renewing your mind biblically starts to feel natural, like breathing.
Speak Life, Not Lies
We talked about this on the podcast – the more we say negative things about ourselves, the more the enemy eats it up. Instead, speak out who God says you are. Daughter. Redeemed. Chosen. Loved. Made new. Every time you name those things, the enemy loses ground.
Small Shifts Matter: Putting Renewed Thinking Into Practice
Does this sound familiar? One day you feel on top of the world, the next day you’re doubting again. That’s normal. It’s okay if renewing your mind biblically feels like a process. The goal isn’t perfection but progress. Every single time you choose gratitude over grumbling, hope over hopelessness, truth over lies, you are making a shift that matters.
You can use sticky notes with scripture on your mirror, playlists of faith-filled music, or even just a breath prayer as you walk into a hard situation. Every action counts. And every new thought starts to shape a new life. God is always in the business of renewal.
One Bible Verse That Grounds My Mind Renewal
I can’t end without sharing the verse that Bree talked about in our conversation because it shows what renewing your mind biblically looks like in real life. Psalms 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart celebrates, and I give thanks to him with my song.” (CSB) This reminds me that even in breaking, God’s strength is building something new. And that’s worth singing about.
Ready to Practice Renewing Your Mind Biblically?
If there is one thing I want you to take with you, it’s this: your past is not your story’s final chapter. Renewing your mind biblically is for the everyday, for the quiet moments and the loud ones, for the days that feel victorious and the days you need a friend to remind you of who you are. I’m cheering for you. I’m walking right beside you. We are growing together. So keep speaking life, keep naming your blessings, and let God keep writing your story.
Need more encouragement? Go listen to our full episode, “You Are Not Defined by Your Past,” on the Perspectives Into Practice podcast. Invite a friend, share it with someone who needs hope, and keep putting these perspectives into practice every single day.
Looking for more faith-filled encouragement? Check out these posts on overcoming negative self-talk with scripture and finding purpose in uncertain seasons. And as always, make sure to subscribe so you never miss a new episode or post!
