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Today is May 4th, and many know this day as “Star Wars Day”. But did you know it’s also National Renewal Day?
Today is reserved on the calendar as a “great day for a fresh start” aka renewing your mind.
If you’re going to start something new, why not today? I want to share with you some scripture that has been so helpful to me.
What Does Renewing Your Mind Mean?
In Romans, Paul urges us to be living sacrifices in view of God’s mercy. Romans 12:2 reads:
“Do not be conformed to this age (pattern of the world), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (CSV)
The renewal of your mind happens when you redirect those things you’re fixated on towards God.
When you do this, you’ll be able to discern what is God’s will and purpose for your life. We are all seeking purpose and fulfillment, and the answers are in the Word.
About 5 years ago, this verse started presenting itself to me. God was trying to tell me something, and I have been listening.
Throughout many different trials over the past few years, that verse just keeps showing up.
The past few years, I’ve learned that I am an ENTP personality type and an 8w7 on the Enneagram scale.
As an ENTP, I’m a debater…sometimes just for the sake of arguing and proving a point.
The 8w7 enneagram type, also known as the non-conformist, likes to be in complete and total control. My fellow 8’s know that we fear others controlling us, and we would fight to the death for a cause we believe in.
We don’t want to appear weak, and we tend to take on other people’s problems.
Steps to Renewing Your Mind (Action Steps You Can Take Today)
1. Spend Time Washing with the Word
What does “washing of water with the word” mean? In Ephesians 5:26, Paul wrote, “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.”
Just as clear, fresh water cleanses and nourishes our bodies, the Word nourishes and cleanses our souls. It scrubs away impure thoughts, washes away doubt and insecurity, and cleanses our hearts as we absorb its truths.
Every time you open your Bible or Bible app on your phone to read a Bible study, devotional, or pray, you are washing with the word.
Melissa Blevins, Perfection Hangover
You are cleansing your soul, bringing you closer to Christ who gives you strength.
Some Encouraging Verses:
- Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”
- 1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
- Romans 12: 2-3 “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6 “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.”
- 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Notice that a common phrase is sober-minded throughout many of these verses.
2. Be Sober-Minded
The term sober-minded literally means free of intoxicating substances. When we speak of an addict who is clean of substances, we often say they are XX days clean (or sober).
When we fixate on earthly things, we aren’t being sober-minded. Examples of fixations could be money, fame, cars, relationships, goals, fitness…you name it.
Another way to look at sober-mindedness is to think of self-control. There are so many scriptures regarding self-control, so I won’t list them all, but I have had a problem with self-control nearly my entire life.
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
- I want that car, so I’m going to find a way to get it (even if it means amassing debt I can’t really afford).
- I am emotionally wrecked, so I often drink too much alcohol, waking up hungover and feeling guilty for behaving a certain way.
- I have a shopping or gambling addiction, and every payday, I find myself feeling an urge to blow money. Spending like this makes me feel good in the moment…but I often feel guilty later on when I can’t pay my bills.
I’ve been there…yes, to all three scenarios actually. Impulsiveness is of the enemy. If we can learn to practice self-control, acting with sober-minded judgment in all situations, we will find joy and purpose.
I named this blog Perfection Hangover well before the Lord started revealing self-control, sober-mindedness, and renewal as a focus for me.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
3. Pray First
Pray first in every situation.
When you wake in the morning, before opening your eyes, pray.
Before you respond to someone who’s hurt you, pray.
Before you make a major purchasing decision, pray.
Pray for your kids and their teachers. Pray for your in-laws and your estranged parents.
Pray for our leaders and government officials. Pray for our medical workers and those defending the frontlines of the virus that has swept the world.
Pray for the salvation of unbelievers, and pray that believers continue to pursue Christ.
Start a habit of praying every single day.
In the past, I have not exercised self-control and taken to the Lord first, before reacting. But I’m working on that!
40 Day Prayer Challenge for May 4th Renewal Day
On this May 4th renewal day in 2020, I want to challenge you to 40 days of prayer. It has been said that radical change and transformation can occur with 40 days of creating and developing a new habit.
Start each day with prayer and thanksgiving, and remember to practice self-control in all situations and pray first…before lashing out and before making major decisions.
May I suggest a book by Jennie Allen? In Get Out of Your Head, Jennie inspires and equips us to transform our emotions, our outlook, and even our circumstances by taking control of our thoughts.
[amazon box=”B07ZDK3RJ6″ template=”horizontal”]
Our enemy is determined to get in our heads to make us feel helpless, overwhelmed, and incapable of making a difference for the kingdom of God. But when we submit our minds to Christ, the promises and goodness of God flood our lives in remarkable ways.
You can get Jennie’s book free with an Audible trial. I highly suggest equipping your mind with positive, motivational, and encouraging content, like audiobooks and bible studies.
Join the Perfection Hangover Community on Facebook!
Life is a collection of memories and experiences. There are ups and downs. I am so grateful for God’s grace and am on the journey to a renewed spirit, free of perfectionism. Perfection Hangover offers the sober truth – no filter.