5 Steps to Change Your Mind-set

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Everyone struggles. Why is that so hard for us to understand? We are so quick to judge others based on our feelings, without any known truths, facts, or even compassion. But we all have scars. Some of them are deep and painful, and we spend most of our time living in that place of pain. 

However, how often do we try to understand the person (ourselves as well as others) underneath the scars?

Situations and people are rarely what they seem. We tend to live one dimensional lives. As soon as something happens we develop an opinion of the situation, and never analyze it further to see if we can understand it better. Normally, we file it away in our brain as a truth when it is really a lie. 

For example: 

I lived most of my life believing I was a burden to my family and that my scars were a punishment from God. Even typing that sentence now makes me cringe. But it was my truth because I believed it wholeheartedly. However, once I developed a new perspective and was able to see my situation differently, I have never been able to view it as a burden again. God didn't punish me with scars, He blessed me with life. 

So often we believe every thought that enters our mind. Even though the majority of them are lies. 

The enemy lives in our mind. It is our negative voice. How many times has  your mind caused you to believe a lie? Actually, it happens more often than not. 

We worry about situations and events that have never happened, nor have any evidence that they will ever happen. But yet we give certain lies total control of our thoughts. So how can we stop the lies and change our mind-set?

• Counteract the lie with a truth. 

When we counteract the lie with a truth, we take away the power of the lie. The next time it enters our mind, and it will, we are able dismiss it quickly.  This also helps us to stop self inflicted bullying. 

• Be kind and seek understanding—with ourselves and others.

It is only natural for us to get angry with people or certain situations. But what might happen if we actually tried to understand the person or situation? 

• Realize that our feelings are not always the truth   

Just because we feel a certain emotion does not make it true. We may feel scared, when there is no danger. Situations may seem impossible before we are able to overcome them. 

• Use fear as an asset not a stumbling block.

Fear can stop us or help us. Learning to use it as a tool will help us to stay focused. Whenever I speak, I use the fear to humble me and help me to stay focused on my mission. 

• Seek help. Either through books or others. 

We never get to a place in our lives where we know it all. We should always strive to make our lives more enjoyable and to understand our enemy. The more we learn of his ways, the less power he will have over us.

Final thoughts…

So often we focus on the few things in our life that are challenging. We overthink them and magnify them until they seem so much bigger than they actually are. If we learned, however, to focus our energy on gratitude, and the promises of our Lord, we could change our thoughts and, in turn, live a happier life. 

Some of my favorites promises in the Bible.

Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

John 3:16 (KJV)

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 8:28 (KJV)

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:37 (KJV)

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1 John 4:4 (KJV)

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

James 4:7 (KJV)

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Psalm 29:11 (KJV)

11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Isaiah 46:4 (KJV)

4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Psalm 37:4 (KJV)

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

John 14:27 (KJV)

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.