We are excited to have guest blogger, Kolby Koloff sharing her heart today about renewing your mind in the face of anxiety.
Fighting Anxiety
This is one of the most bizarre times in history. A time that I’m not sure we will ever see again. I’m not sure about you but the countless articles, insane amounts of news broadcasts, and an overwhelming amount of opinions are taking a toll on me. As fear, anxiety, and worry fight for my mind’s attention during this time of the unknown, I’ve found myself asking God so many questions trying to understand. The Lord has continued to bring me to this place of self-evaluation through His Word, and I wanted to share with you today what He has been teaching me.
Ephesians 4:21-24 says, “When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Choosing Hope
I know there are so many emotions coasting through our hearts and mind during this time. Will I still have a job? What do I do financially? How will I support my family? The list goes on and on. But if we read that scripture above and believe it, truly believe it, then the reality is that as believers our minds are meant to be renewed. We are called to think differently, communicate differently, hope differently.
You may be reading this going, “Easier said than done.” I agree, having faith like that isn’t easy. If it was easy and guaranteed, it wouldn’t really be faith now would it? “Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
God never promises that following Him and trusting in Him would be easy, actually, He specifically said it would be difficult. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have many troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Renewing Your Mind
I’m going to ask you to do something difficult. Get honest with yourself in this moment, and evaluate your heart and mind. Is your mind truly renewed in Christ? Where do your thoughts go when a problem arises? Fear or faith? Be brutally honest with yourself, and be honest with God. He is Sovereign and knows all things anyway, so you might as well get real!
Whatever your evaluation may be, come humbly before Him as a child. Tell Him your fears, worries, and anxieties. Ask Him to renew your mind so that you don’t have to wake up day after day holding your breath. He is the breath of life after all!! Ask Him to breathe new life, new faith, new hope into your bones. “You will seek me and find Me when you search for me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 19:13
Getting in the Word
Lastly, let us not forget the power of the Word of God and our desperate need for it. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of should and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
God’s Spirit and God’s word are the only two things that can truly transform us and renew us. If we don’t know God’s Word and His character then we won’t be able to rest in His truths. Let us not look like the world in this time. I pray people see us and ask, “How are you so peaceful and calm? Why do you seem so ok? How do you have joy?” And we can say, “Do you know my God? The Provider? The Protector? The Redeemer? The Healer?”As difficult as this time is, it’s such a beautiful opportunity to showcase the glory of God.
I’m urging you to seek Him wholeheartedly today. If it’s more faith you need, ask. If it’s more hope you need, ask. If it’s peace or understanding or comfort you need, just ask. We serve a good God, and His faithful love endures forever.
Mercy Multiplied is a free-of-charge residential counseling program that helps young women ages 13-32 break free from life-controlling issues and situations. Apply today or learn more by visiting MercyMultiplied.com.
Kolby Koloff is a speaker, singer, and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. We are so thankful for her support of Mercy! To learn more about Kolby Koloff visit her social media.
Looking for more resources? Listen to this MercyTalk Podcast on Renewing the Mind and follow us on social media @MercyMultiplied!
