3 Steps Anyone Can Take to Set Your Mind on God

This post is about how to set your mind on things above.

Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current Student learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you).

Are you struggling to set your mind on things above? Are you wanting practice steps to focus your thoughts on God and not the things of this world? Today, we are going to take a deeper look at how to set you mind on things above and practical tools in order to do so. Let’s get started

What does it mean to set your mind on the things above?

Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Mental Health Insight – Do you ever want to change your thinking to reflect something more positive? Cognitive diffusion is a tool you can use to help create distance from unhelpful thoughts. Cognitive diffusion helps you not get stuck in your thoughts and creates distance from the thoughts in order to combat anxiety, depression, and negative beliefs. For example, instead of saying “I am overwhelmed,” you say, “I am noticing that I’m having the thought that I’m overwhelmed.”. This process helps separate oneself from the thought in order to observe the thought outside of oneself, preventing the thought from consuming us.

Faith Connection – Of course we cannot stop having negative thoughts. However, you do not have to become your anxious or depressed thoughts. Cognitive diffusion is a tool we can use to separate us from the anxiety or depression of our thoughts, rather than be consumed. By practicing this tool, we learn how to separate ourselves from the anxiety and depression of this world and set our minds to the things above.  When we focus our identity on Christ, we allow His truths, not temporary feelings to define our reality.

3 Steps to Apply Cognitive Diffusion

Acknowledge the thought without judgment, taking a deliberate pause that interrupts your brain’s thought process stops your amygdala from instantly treating a temporary feeling as an absolute threat.

Rephrase your feeling by saying “I am noticing that I am having the thought that…”, a simple step to help your brain move away from the emotional center and into the logical prefrontal cortex so you can view earthly worries objectively.

Shift your focus upward to a specific biblical truth, a conscious redirection that builds new, resilient neural pathways so your brain learns to automatically anchor to your identity in Christ rather than spiraling into anxiety.

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Reflection Question: If you stopped “being” your anxious and depressed thoughts and started simply “observing” them from God’s perspective, how much power would those thoughts lose over your day?

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Prayer: Dear God, thank You that my identity is found in You and not in my fleeting thoughts. Help me to set my mind on things above today, separating my heart from earthly worries. I choose to let Your love define me, trusting that You are holding me through every storm. Amen.

Christian Book Recommendations

Many of you have been asking for further resources that could potentially benefit you on your mental health journey. Below I have attached a book you might find beneficial surrounding this topic!

I Shouldn’t Feel This Way: By Dr. Alison Cook  Description: Dr. Cook’s latest book addresses the “shame spiral” that often comes with negative thoughts. She provides a practical 3-step process to “defuse” from the toxic “shoulds” we tell ourselves. By naming what is hard and framing your reality through God’s truth, you learn to observe your feelings without letting them define your identity. It’s a powerful resource for anyone trying to apply Colossians 3:2 to their emotional life, moving from earthly “feeling-driven” reality to a Christ-centered perspective.

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Closing Thoughts

I hope today’s blog post was not only educational but also helped you draw closer to God. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and want guidance, please connect with a therapist today! Check out TherapyforChristians.com to get connected with a faith-based provider in your area!

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Think Like Christ Mental Health

Disclaimer

Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for  educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline you all have the best and most blessed day!