For the last couple of years, I have been experiencing a mental battle of anxiety, doubt, fear, and hopelessness about my future, dreams, and goals. I’ve had a hard time trusting that my life will turn out good based on my current circumstances. In my mind, since I can’t see any evidence, I question if it will even come to pass. My doubt and fear as taken over my mind and thoughts.
Since I have been experiencing this battle, I have become really interested in the concept of renewing my mind (Romans 12:2) and how it can change my thought life. I want to share these simple steps that help remind me of the truth when I’m overwhelmed with negative thoughts. I also want to mention that I am currently following these same steps. I do still struggle with negative thoughts some days but, I am grateful for the progress and journey God is taking me through.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 (KJV)
Disclaimer: I am not a certified professional. If you are battling with your mental health and need professional help, I encourage you to seek out a professional for help.
I have created a worksheet to help you through to steps below. CLICK HERE to download and fill out as you go. One sheet includes two worksheets. I recommend listing all your fears from Step 1 on a separate sheet of paper. Then taking one fear at a time and filling out the workout sheet as you go through the steps. Repeat for as many fears as you have listed. This will help you focus on one at a time and understand what the truth is.
Step 1: Identifying your struggles and fears
I encourage you to write down all your fears and struggles that fill your mind and steals your happiness, joy, and smile. I believe putting our thoughts on paper helps to empty our minds and organize our thoughts. This is the time to ask yourself some questions:
What am I afraid of?
What is my fear?
What are the negative thoughts that fill my mind?
What makes me angry, sad, overthink, doubt, or scared?
What fears or struggles that I’m going through make me think that God doesn’t care or understands?
Take each fear and write them in the first section (leave room to add your answer from step 2.)
Step 2: Recognize the lie that is behind your struggles and fears.
Now, it is time to dig a little deeper and find the root of the fears and struggles you listed above. This is what we believe and base our actions on. It is time to ask yourself hard and direct questions. I encourage you to be extremely honest with yourself, especially if the answer is something you don’t want to admit.
What experience from my past shaped the fear I currently have?
Why do I feel that way?
How am I projecting my past experiences on the way I view God and His character?
What negative thoughts do I believe about myself?
What are the reasons I think God may not care, is punishing me, and/or can not truly love me?
Next to your fear from step 1, write the lie you believe about that fear.
Step 3: Replace the lie with His Word.
This is where you begin to learn what God says about the lie you are believing. His truth is so much different from the lie you are telling yourself. I encourage you to search and study what God says about each lie in His Word. This is the time to have your colored pens and highlighters ready. Don’t be afraid to underline, write notes, and circle things in your Bible. God wants you the really understand and believe His truth.
On the rest of the worksheet, write down three scriptures that God has spoken to you through.
Keep these sheets as a reminder, so you can revisit when you start to believe the lies instead of God’s truth.
Step 4: Pray and Release it to God.
The final step is to release and hand your fears to God. Allow God to carry your burdens and worries while He gives you His peace. Talk to Him and be honest about how you feel. He truly cares and wants to help you. Trust Him to work everything together is good.
Are you having a tough time trusting that God has a plan for you? Do you feel alone? What are your thoughts? Let us talk about it! Leave a comment and let me know what’s on your mind. If you have any suggestions for topics you want me cover, let me know. I want to hear from y’all!
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God always has you and will never leave you!
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