10 Years Soberናሙና

Day 5: The Transformed Mind

I used to have a tough time forgiving others, but as I began to put some recognition around the amount of time I’ve spent trapped in this land of unforgiveness, I began to see the importance of starting off my day with an overload of positivity, vision, and truth. Instead of dwelling in the depressed state of my mind, I had to begin putting words of victory into the atmosphere that would propel me toward the future I desired.

We read about this today in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

My sinful mind must be transformed. I need a fresh touch from God first thing in the morning or there’s no telling where I’ll go.

So, I started with something basic. As soon as my mind got fully revved up, I began telling myself today was gonna be a good day.

I’d say it over and over and over again and it worked for a bit, but I needed more. I figured maybe I should start telling others about the great day I was hoping to have. So I did. I began posting it each morning on Facebook: “Today is gonna be a great day!!”

This worked really well. For a while. I loved the way it felt to share with others, as well as the positive feedback I almost always experienced. And it got tons of likes, which always feels good right?!

But by lunchtime, I was still struggling to stay positive. And that’s when it hit me.

If I desired to live a more peace-filled life, I had to begin every day by casting a powerful vision of grace and peace.

If I desired to live a more forgiving life, I had to begin to forgive people—out loud—each morning.

If I desired to push through fear and overcome things that had held me back, I had to begin speaking faith, courage, and confidence over myself each morning to get there.

What God-promises will you tell yourself today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life to transform your mind?