I’ve heard pastors criticize self-help (usually stating that we don’t need to help ourselves, we need God’s help). I understand where they’re coming from, and there certainly is a lot of useless, woo-woo self-help advice out there.
That being said, I’ve also found some incredible self-help podcasts, and 95% of the things these podcasters say are completely aligned with what the Bible teaches…particularly what the Bible teaches about thoughts and emotions.
Here are some of my favorite Bible verses that are aligned with essential concepts taught by life coaches, psychologists, and “thought work” experts.
- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
– Romans 12:2
I find it interesting that this verse specifies that the key to transformation (in other words, being more Christ-like) is to change the way you think.
- “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
– Philippians 4:8
This is another verse that points out the importance of our thoughts. Thinking about positive things leads to positive emotions and drives more Christ-like actions (kindness, patience, etc).
- “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
– Proverbs 4:23
The way we behave is driven by our emotions. As the CTFAR model of behavior states, thoughts > feelings > actions > results.
- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
– Colossians 3:2-5
I love this verse, and it’s the foundation of one of my favorite podcasts – Things Above by James Bryan Smith. In each episode, he shares one true, beautiful, encouraging, and biblically based “thought from above” for us to consider.
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7
This verse teaches us to surrender to God. When we think everything is up to us, this is a weight we are not meant to carry. The “if it’s to be, it’s up to me” mindset causes us to feel stressed, pressured, and anxious. Truly understanding that everything isn’t up to us can give us so much peace.
- “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
– Isaiah 55:8
God is a perfect being who behaves perfectly at all times. If we believe that thoughts drive our emotions and actions, of course God’s thoughts would be different than ours are.
- “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak…a time for war, and a time for peace.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1-8As Brooke Castillo says, life is 50/50 and that is the way it’s supposed to be. We waste A LOT of time and energy resisting the difficult parts of life. Accepting that this is the way life is supposed to be brings us so much peace.
- “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
– Romans 12:15
When someone is sad, we often want to make them feel better, but this isn’t usually what they need. Instead, they need someone to simply be with them and love them. Most of the time, people just want to feel seen, heard, and loved in the middle of their pain (or their joy).
- “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”
– Proverbs 14:30
Our emotions can impact our physical health. There is A LOT of scientific research that backs this up.
Side note: this doesn’t mean we should be afraid of our emotions. New research shows that negative emotions themselves do NOT cause physical health problems – it is resisting negative emotions that causes a problem. When we allow negative emotions, they only last an average of 90 seconds. Resisting them is what leads to “getting stuck” in a spiral of negative emotions (and that is what is harmful to our bodies).
- “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
-Galatians 5:22-23
When our minds have been transformed (Romans 12:2) and we see things the way that God sees them, our hearts are also transformed. This leads to us feeling emotions like love, joy, and peace, and behaving in ways that are kind and loving.
Once again, this describes the fundamental truth that thoughts > feelings > actions > results.
What is your favorite Bible verse about thoughts or emotions?
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