Breaking Free From DepressionSample

Renewing Your Mind

Our mind, body, spirit, and emotions are deeply intertwined and interdependent. God designed us that way – each part working together in harmony.

Sadly, one of the effects of sin in this world is the disruption of that harmony. It sets our mind at odds with our emotions, our spirit at odds with our flesh.

When we make decisions, our mind, body, spirit, and emotions are working together to form pathways that are positive or negative within us. Bad decisions, habits, and thought patterns (and good ones) literally become ingrained in the structure of our brain so that it becomes more and more natural for us to choose them (and more and more difficult for us to resist them). Scientists call this neuroplasticity – the rewiring of our brain circuits. Scripture reading, the input of people who love you, and therapy can greatly aid in positive rewiring for people struggling with mental conditions.

The authors of the New Testament had their own ways of describing this reality: They talked about renewing your mind, taking captive your thoughts, and disciplining yourself in order to be ready for faithful living. They recognised the ongoing process of transformation that all followers of Jesus went on as they sought, with the help of God’s personal presence, the Holy Spirit, to leave behind the old ways of their old self and instead live the new life they had been given in Christ.

When, with the help of the Holy Spirit, you intentionally practice applying God’s Word to your decision-making, your mind is doing what God designed it to do. In scientific terms, these good decisions will create healthier brain circuits. In biblical terms, “God will transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

Based on what you’ve learned so far in this reading plan, do you think you may be struggling with depression? If so, share your feelings with a fellow Christian you trust. Ask them to help you explore ways to engage the Bible and about the possibility of therapy or counselling.