For many of us, the change of seasons can have a sizable effect on our mood. The name for this condition is Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Some people use special lights that mimic sunlight to chase away the winter blues. Others travel to a warm and sunny climate as often as possible.
On winter mornings when it’s cold and the sky is covered in clouds, I miss the sun. I know it’s there, but I can’t see it. And that can make me feel slightly depressed.

Recently, I found myself looking out at low hanging dark clouds and thinking about difficult seasons in life. Sometimes, even though we know God is always with us, it doesn’t feel that way. When circumstances are challenging and everything around us just seems gloomy, we can find ourselves caught in negative thought patterns. If we aren’t careful, we can spiral into feelings of hopelessness.

That’s why renewing our minds each day is so important. Just as physical exercise builds muscles and helps keep our bodies healthy, renewing the mind is an exercise that keeps us mentally strong and emotionally resilient. When our minds are fortified with truth, we are better equipped to deal with depressing winter weather, everyday disappointments, and the major challenges of life.

The Bible is an excellent source of truth to help renew your mind daily. In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)

You probably know that in ancient Rome, Christians faced incredible persecution and lived under constant threat of imprisonment or death. The pressure to renounce faith in Jesus and conform to pagan practices was incredible. Paul told the believers in Rome they could be transformed as they continually renewed their minds. In those dark days, God must have seemed distant at times. But Paul assured his brothers and sisters they would encounter God and discover His good plans for them as they renewed their minds with truth.

Renewing our minds is a daily practice that sparks joy and prepares us for whatever difficulties we encounter. Read the verses below and then personalize them. Let these truths from God’s Word sink deep into your soul, like warm rays of sunshine.

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)

“…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

“See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1a NLT)

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT)

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

Mercy Multiplied offers several free, downloadable lists of verses to help you renew your mind daily. Check out Scriptural Declarations, Truth Statements, and  Who I Am in Christ.