“As the scripture says, “Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice?” We, however, have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16
“Can anyone tell the Lord what to do? Who can teach him or give him advice? With whom does God consult in order to know and understand and to learn how things should be done?” Isaiah 40:13-14
“How great are God’s riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? As the scripture says, “Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice?” Romans 11:33-34
I have been doing a lot of work on mindset, thoughts, cognitive distortions, and limiting belief systems recently. The devotional I read was along this line this week. It also was a theme I came across in my past journals I am posting to the blog. So when this scripture came up in my reading today, it really got my attention.
What I recognize is that when I have limiting beliefs about God, myself or even others it is because my mind has not been renewed in a specific area. I have to do the work to change the false messages I am believing. Some thoughts are more subtle and hard to recognize. Often they go undetected as “normal” until someone calls things out. It is hard to realize the damage these limiting beliefs do in our life when we don’t even recognize we are have them.
I think about the words “I can’t.” It is a cognitive distortion called fortune telling. Without any attempt, I am saying I can't do it. It is a limiting belief because if you say “I can’t”, why would you really try to it?
When my children were younger, and even with my grandchildren if I heard “I can’t” I immediately have them replace that statement with “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I heard that Scripture a lot when they were growing up. With client’s who may not really desire Biblical counsel, I will challenge back with “Why won’t you?” Won’t moves it back into being their choice. We can then begin to explore the barriers to them doing the thing they said they can’t do. They questioning why they won’t and then how can they make it possible.
When I stop to think I have the mind of Christ. I recognize that His thoughts are so much higher than mine. What if I began thinking in line with the truth of Scriptures instead of the limiting beliefs I have picked up from the world around me? How would it change my outlook? What areas do I need to renew my mind?
I think about finances, especially in my role working part-time but I know God will supply all my needs according to His riches and mercy.
I think about my dreams and know with God all things are possible to him who believes AND I have the mind of Christ.
I think about the Words that come out of my mouth I know that the power of life and death are in the tongue.
I think about times I don’t feel well or get a bad report from the doctor I know that the Bible says by His stripes I am healed.
Prayer – Lord, I know that there are areas in my life where I have limiting beliefs that I am not already aware of, please open my eyes and ears and reveal to me those areas I am blind to. Thank you for dispelling these limiting beliefs because I know it was not an easy journey. Lord, conform my mind as I renew it to the truth of Your Word. Bring every thought into alignment with the truth of God. Show me, teach me, renew me. In Jesus name, Amen.
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