20 Powerful Bible Verses About Changing Your Mindset

Change of any kind starts with our own minds. In this article we are going to cover Bible verses about changing your mindset. We will outline what it means to change our mindset, how to do it and actionable steps with Scripture to guide us. This information is life transforming.

What is a mindset?

A mindset refers to our beliefs and thought life which has a pretty profound impact on EVERYTHING in our lives. Our beliefs guide our thoughts, which impact our emotions and behavior. Those beliefs tend to be connected to what we believe about our identity, God’s identity and the world around us. Mindsets influence will influence how you approach and navigate various aspects of life, including personal and spiritual growth, relationships, work, ministry, etc.

Our mindset gets pretty developed when we are young. Whether we live in a chaotic home, an abusive home or even a home we would describe as good- we developed a mindset. I read once that children are great observers, but not great interpretors. As a result, we take in everything we see and hear and come to conclusions about God, self and the world. Additionally, we have events and people in our lives that shape the way we see ourselves, God and the world around us. Last thing; our beliefs about who we are or who God is, seem like they would be pretty obvious, but often those beliefs are so deeply rooted we don’t actually define them. Rather, we operate our lives with a mindset that has some lies mixed in with the truth. 

God’s Perspective

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55:8-9

The Bible reveals God’s thoughts and His ways. My flesh is so contrary to the Spirit of God. Left to my own devices, I wouldn’t have even an inclination to do God’s will, let alone the strength to obey His will for my life. All that to say that our mindset doesn’t always align with Truth. When my thoughts and my ways depart from the Truth of Scripture then I’m headed off course. My mindset will drive my emotions and behaviors. This is why it is vital to know and believe the Truth of Scripture. Let’s walk through an example of what I mean…

We will connect an example of a false view of God. If you grew up in a home that was performance or works based, then believing that God’s love is not connected to your works would be hard. You might believe that God is unhappy with you or doesn’t love you when you have a low or no performance day, but that isn’t true. That belief would cause you to feel discouraged and unworthy (emotions) and then you might work harder (behavior) desperately trying to earn the approval and love of God until you wear out and give up. See how what we believe will shape our lives? The Truth is that your performance, whether good or bad never impacts God’s love for you or your favored position before Him. Knowing and believing that will cause you to have peace and security (emotions) and you will be more likely to serve (behavior) from a place of complete joy. See how a true view of God will change your life?

Bible Verses About Changing Your Mindset with Truth

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

This is one of my favorite Bible verses about changing your mindset. A long time ago, God spoke to me through this verse. He opened my eyes to beliefs that I had about myself and Him based only out of my experiences. I believed all kinds of things about myself and my Heavenly Father that were simply not true. I realize now that I was leaning on my own understanding based on my experiences in this world and the people that were speaking into my life. This is what I was basing my beliefs on.

God made it very clear to trust the Truth of Scripture instead of outside voices. I’m the first to admit that this is really hard to do when the lies scream louder than the Truth. Additionally, God is asking me (and you) to believe things based on His Word alone- things I can’t always see or hear for myself (Hebrews 11:1). That is why faith and trust can be so hard. It requires we step into God’s Word and God’s way even when it doesn’t make sense. The good news is that the Holy Spirit will help us with that process- we are not alone!

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

“Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

The only way to believe Truth is to know Truth. This requires the renewing of your mind through God’s Word. A literal changing of the mind occurs (transformation) every time we are in Scripture. Studying the Scriptures changes us from living a life with our own thoughts and our own ways rather than the thoughts of God and the ways of God. Don’t let this discourage you if you don’t know much about God’s Word. The best time to plant a fruit tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is right now. We all start not knowing much, but there is only one way to grow in our knowledge of God. Get in the Word! Trust me when I say, as I weed out the lies that have made their way into my heart, I feel so much more peace and joy in my life. God has blessed every single moment I spend in His Word. This is why finding Bible verses about changing your mindset are so vital…

How long does it take to change your mindset? 

When I meet one on one with people who are experiencing distressing emotions and together we are able to identify a lie that has made it’s way into their heart, I often get asked, “How long does it take to change your mindset?” I wish I could give everyone an exact blueprint with a specific timeline, but alas, I don’t have that information. Every single person is different. What I know for sure is that once you identify a specific lie (check the article out here on how to find the lies) then we can get to work on changing our mindset with the Truth of Scripture. However, knowing Truth is not the same as believing Truth.

I’ve done a lot of personal work on changing my mindset about some deeply held beliefs in my own life (also called strongholds-more on that here). Over the course of my life, God has revealed lies I believed about Him and myself. As a result, I scoured the Scriptures to find Bible verses about changing my mindset to help me shift from lies to truth. I got tired of feeling defeated and that motivated me to change my mindset. And here is another thing you should know- God STILL shows me lies that I am believing.

I guess that’s why we will be working alongside God as long as we walk this sin torn world. That is called sanctification. But it has gotten easier and God has been faithful in walking me through each belief and thought that needs to be more aligned with Scripture. This is also why I created the online course, “Taking Thoughts Captive” to help identify the lies, and learn actionable ways to take thoughts captive. It is the BEST alternative to counseling/coaching if that is not in your budget.

How do I actually change my mindset?

As we discussed earlier, your mindset is influenced by childhood, life events and experiences. Your mindset plays a crucial role in determining how you live. For example how you perceive challenges, handle failures, set goals, approach relationships with other people and even God. As you can see, your mindset matters! So let’s dive into some practical steps to begin changing your mindset so it aligns with the Truth of God’s Word.

Self Awareness

The first thing you need to do is grow in self awareness. This means you need to know what exactly you are believing (more on core beliefs here). Once you get familiar with what you are believing, then you hold it up against the Truth of Scripture. You might need to seek counsel from a professional or from a pastor to learn more about what Bible verses about changing your mindset apply specifically to your current beliefs. Part of that self awareness might be understanding how that lie made it’s way into your heart. This kind of insight can sometimes help give you deeper understanding and help you overcome the lie you have been believing.

Cling to Scripture

Secondly, you will need to work on getting the Truth about who God is or your true identity into your heart. Find Bible verses about changing your mindset that speak directly to the lie. Ask God to help you believe a new thing. Another idea is practicing gratitude for the new thing you are believing. For example, if you have been believing you are not worthy of love and belonging, find a Bible verse about your true identity in Christ and praise God for the Truth about your identity. Positive Christian affirmations might be helpful as you change your mindset.

Be Patient

Thirdly, be patient with yourself. Remember, you probably have had some of your beliefs a very long time. Rome wasn’t built in a day. You have likely built some well worn paths in your brain and it takes time to blaze a new trail. It is hard? Yes. Is it worth the effort? Yes!

The online course, “Taking Thoughts Captive” takes a deep dive into helping you change the way you think, which will change your life! I created this course to help people have real change in their thought life. It combines the Truth of Scripture with modern therapy tools. There is no other course like it out there.

Bible Verses About Changing Your Mindset

Philippians 4:8 – Scripture Encompasses All of the Best Things to Think About

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

​Our thoughts always lead to emotions that support the thought. When we put our mind on fear, then we will feel anxious. When we put our mind on worst case scenarios, then we will feel hopeless. You can’t think negative thoughts and have positive emotions. It simply doesn’t work that way. Paul tells us the good things to think about. This isn’t to say you only think positive thoughts- that is unrealistic. Focus your thoughts on Truth- that is where you will feel strong, secure, loved, and certain in an uncertain world.

Isaiah 26:3 – Trusting God Leads to the Peace of God

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.”

When we trust God, His character and His Truth, we will experience more peace.

Colossians 3:2 – Uncertainty vs. Certainty

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Fixing your eyes on this world, earthly things and uncertain times will leave you fearful and hopeless. Change your mindset to focus on the certainty we find in God’s character and His promises.

2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take Thoughts Captive

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”

This is one of my favorite Bible verses about changing your mindset. It literally tells us to get rid of any thoughts that conflict with the Truth of God’s Word. Additionally, we are reminded that we must use our divine weapons to change our mindset. Those divine weapons are the Truth of Scripture and praying. You have the weapons you need to change your mindset!

Taking Thoughts Captive {free Bible study}

Philippians 2:5 – You Have the Mind of the Lord

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

​Having the mind of Christ means we align with the character and nature of Christ through our thoughts, attitudes and actions. Essentially, we value what Jesus values and prioritize what Jesus prioritizes.

Proverbs 4:23 – Guard Your Heart

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

Guarding our heart is necessary to hang onto the truth hidden in our hearts and to block lies that are trying to make their way into our heart and mind.

Philippians 3:13-14 – Let Go of the Past

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Every. Single. Person has a past. Whether it’s hard to let go of things you did or things done to you. You also may have lost someone or a relationship that you didn’t want to lose. In any case the Bible verses about letting go of the past are filled with God’s promises and speak to His character.

2 Timothy 1:7 – You Have the Spirit of Power in You

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

God’s powerful Holy Spirit lives inside of you. He equips and enables us to do everything God has called us to do. Rest in that, friend!

Joshua 1:8 – Aligning with Truth Makes You Successful

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Think about what a successful life looks like…I imagine improved thoughts, emotions and behavior. That leads to every aspect of your life being better. Better work, better relationships, better everything when we know and believe God’s Word. Because when we believe God’s Word, we live loved and secure. Perfect love casts out fear.

Romans 8:5 – Aligning with the World Leads to Death

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

Just as aligning with Truth leads to success, aligning with the world leads to an empty life. When we think and live like the world we are set up for failure because it is not who we are when we are in Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – God’s Grace is for You

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak then I am strong.”

We are going to fall short. It isn’t a matter of if, but when. And that’s okay, because God’s grace is enough for us when we are trying to change our mindset. This Bible verse about changing your mindset is a powerful Truth to hang onto.

Philippians 4:13 – Change Your Mindset in God’s Strength

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Changing firmly held beliefs that don’t align with the Bible is hard work. Not to mention it’s “heart” work, therefore don’t go it alone. Do your mindset change in the strength of God.

Psalm 139:23-24 – Ask God to Reveal Needed Changes in Your Mindset

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

God is in the business of changing our hearts and minds. Ask Him to help you identify needed changes and help you believe a new thing. I often pray that God will help me believe the unbelievable things in His Word. He is faithful.

Psalm 19:14 – God’s Word Guides Our Thoughts

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

When we fill our mind with God’s Word, we will naturally change the way we think because the Word of God is transforming.

Hebrews 4:12 – Word of God Discerns Thoughts & Motives

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

​The Bible is the best manual for influencing our thoughts and mind.

1 Peter 5:7 – Prayerfully Ask God to Help You Change Your Mindset

“…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Don’t forget to invite God’s help in the process of applying Bible verses about changing your mindset.

Wrapping Up: Bible Verses About Changing Your Mindset

The most important thing to remember about a believer’s mind is knowing that we are a constant work in progress (sanctification). Any mindset change you desire to make can only be done in the power of the Holy Spirit. The best ways to change your mindset is to ask God to reveal any lies that have made their way into your heart or mind. Then use your divine weapons- the Word of God and Prayer to change the way you think, feel and behave. Leaning into and believing the Scriptures is how we put off the old self and put on the new self rather than align with the patterns of this world.