14 Aug Rational/Mental fitness by a Renewed Mind

Today, we are facing a continuous flood of mental illnesses and problems. For the elderly in society, words like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are filled with fear. Even children are experiencing various mental and behavioral issues these days. Doctors and parents are giving them medications to cope. Mental disorders have almost taken the form of a pandemic, and even among the members of Christ’s body (believers), the trend of relying on antidepressants, sleeping pills, and other medication is increasing.

This should not be the case. Our God has created you and me in His image and likeness with His power, and He has given us the ability to access the treasures of eternal wisdom and knowledge (Gen 1:26, Phil 4:13).
You have the mind of Christ, not the confused mind of the ruler of this world. For those who believe, all things are possible (Mk 9:23). Even in the realm of intelligence, you can grow from glory to glory and from strength to strength. You can renew your mind every day of your life. You can change your mind. The brain is the only organ in your body that never grows old – it only matures. Instead of becoming mentally aged, start expecting to grow wiser day by day.

Let us learn how to enhance our mental fitness:

1. Transform Your Mind and Life
A sound mind not only directs your spiritual life but also determines victory or defeat in all aspects of your worldly and physical life. For many years, scientists agreed that the brain develops and is moldable only until the age of 21. However, recent discoveries have shown that the brain undergoes changes every single day of life — even until death — whether for better or worse.
According to a new research, 87% of diseases originate from our thought life, while only 13% of diseases depend on diet, heredity, or environmental factors. Toxic thoughts create an epidemic of toxic emotions, which then lead to diseases and illnesses in our bodies. The human brain is one of the most powerful creations in history. It can make a heavenly life seem like hell and a hellish life seem like heaven.

2. Love Yourself and Your Mind
God has made our brain wonderfully — it is one of the most powerful creations in human history. Unfortunately, many people curse and condemn their own minds, saying things like: “My brain is useless”, “I am not intelligent”, “I cannot do anything or learn anything.” Such thinking is wrong. By doing this, you are not only underestimating yourself but also dishonoring God. Without loving your own mind, you cannot truly love your life. Remember, as a person thinks in their heart, so they are (Prov 23:7).

3. Wisdom and Intelligence Lead to Greatness
It was due to their exceptional wisdom and intelligence that Daniel and his friends rose from slavery to become key leaders of their nation for God. Similarly, Joseph’s wisdom led him from prison to the royal palace. Had Joseph allowed negative thoughts, bitterness, or depression to consume him due to his brothers’ betrayal or the Egyptian woman’s false accusations he would have sabotaged God’s greater purpose to save Israel.

4. Do Not Worry — Stay Joyful
Humans were never created to live with worry or anxiety. Jesus Christ commanded us not to worry about tomorrow (Mt 6:34). Do you not know God’s command:
“Do not rely on your own understanding but trust the Lord with all your heart”? Proverbs 3:5

5. Forgive and Live
Have you ever been treated unfairly? Do you feel bitterness and negative emotions rising in your mind because of it? If you continue harboring such feelings, you may experience headaches, back pain, throat pain, digestive issues, sleep disorders, and other problems. Anger, rage, resentment, and bitterness create an open door for diseases like cancer and other life-threatening conditions. You have the choice to forgive and release the person who hurt you. It may seem difficult, but you can pray to God for strength to do so.

6. Control Your Mind
Never allow fearful thoughts about the future to take root in your mind. Instead, surrender your future completely to Jesus and choose to believe that He can take care of you (1 Pet 5:7). Never allow yourself to speak or think negatively about yourself. When you do, you dishonor your Creator and bring a curse upon your own life.

Do not allow negative people to plant seeds of doubt and despair in your mind. Before trusting someone, examine their spiritual life. Remember, your mind rules over your body just as God rules over the universe. Your thoughts are powerful enough to make you sick, but they are also powerful enough to heal you. You must learn to obey God’s commands and rejoice in all circumstances. Worry about nothing, have faith in prayer, and control your thoughts. This will bring the peace of God into your life — a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that only God can give (Phil 4:4-7).

7. Take Responsibility for Your Thoughts
The first and most crucial step to a healthy life is gaining control over your thought life. You are more than a conqueror in Christ (Rom 8:37). No matter what your circumstances are right now, you can overcome them and live joyfully. You can transform any situation through prayer and praise, just like Paul and Silas did in that dark, filthy, and foul-smelling prison.

Many people, including doctors, seek solutions to their problems in medication. We start depending on medicines like crutches, believing they are the only cure for our issues. But never forget that every medicine has side effects. Instead of just treating symptoms, attack the root cause of the problem. It is better to rely on God. If this were not possible, then why would God command us not to worry about anything (Phil 4:6)?

8. Play and Laugh often
Playing and laughing can significantly reduce stress. They keep both the brain and body healthy. A good hearty laugh — one that makes your stomach hurt — reduces harmful stress hormones. Enjoy your life, pray, give thanks, and always remain joyful because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (Jn 3:2).

9. The Benefits of Exercise
Exercise increases the heart rate and improves blood circulation throughout the body. It is essential for cleansing and nourishing your brain, organs, and muscles. Proper blood flow to the brain enhances intelligence and cognitive abilities.

10. Prayer Walks
UESI places great emphasis on prayer walks compared to other ministries. Instead of praying in a dark, enclosed room without fresh air, why not go on a prayer walk? While walking, you can intercede for your neighbors, students, and society for Christ. UESI members frequently engage in prayer walks, claiming God’s promises such as:
“Every place where you set your foot, I will give you” (Jos 1:3).

11. Diet for Healthy Brain
To keep your brain healthy, maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily. Eat a nutritious diet, including fruits, green vegetables, and protein-rich food such as milk, eggs, meat, fish, and paneer/cheese. Avoid brain-damaging substances like alcohol, artificial sugar, refined sugar, and cigarettes etc.

Conclusion:
I have said initially that mental illness has taken the form of a global pandemic today — not just among non-believers but also among believers. So, we as believers need to take special caution to take care of our mental health. Because the brain controls the whole body. Only if we are healthy mentally can we make maximum use of our bodies. And we can serve the Lord in more productive and effective ways. We can be used by God in a marvelous way for His glory. Let us not take refuge in medicines and the worldly ways instead, start seeking refuge in God alone Who is the perfect healer to renew our mind, body and soul.

God’s will for us is not to live in worry and distress but to live joyful and abundant lives. That is why Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow.” The Bible repeatedly commands us to “Rejoice!” and Jesus Himself declared, “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.”
(Jn 10:10).

Jatinder Kumar is a graduate in Haryana basically from J&K. He accepted Jesus through UESI and involved in ministry as student volunteer, graduate volunteer and coordinator with J&K EGF. He is married to Poonam Sotra, UESI-CND staff. They are blessed with a Son Imaan Isaac.