Finding Freedom in the Often Skipped Step of Ephesians 4:23 Shown in the Psalms
“22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness”, Ephesians 4:22-24.
Stuck Jokes… Isaiah 41:10, 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand’, even in bearing these jokes!
You’know, it’s really annoying being stuck behind a flamingo in a car. They literally never put their foot down.
What kind of bird always gets stuck in the nest? A velcrow.
What do you call a book club that’s been stuck on the same book for years? Church.
Okay, okay. Maybe I went a little too far with that one. But seriously, the point is—sometimes we get stuck. It’s a part of the human experience. But apparently unlike that flamingo driving, we have the power to choose our direction, to un-stick ourselves and push forward. And sometimes, a little humor helps us remember that.
The Suffering, Praise, and Posterity of the Messiah
To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Deer of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David.
Psalms 22
1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them.
5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.
6 But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8 “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”
9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.
10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.
11 Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help.
12 Many bulls have surrounded Me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.
13 They gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet;
17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.
18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.
19 But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!
20 Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.
21 Save Me from the lion’s mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.
22 I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.
23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard.
25 My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever!
27 All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You.
28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s, And He rules over the nations.
29 All the prosperous of the earth Shall eat and worship; All those who go down to the dust Shall bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep himself alive.
30 A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation,
31 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, That He has done this.
Let us explore a pervasive human experience: the “stuck mind.” We’ll examine the nature of this phenomenon, its diverse manifestations, and the potential consequences.
‘I’m trapped inside a dark place where no one can hear me scream, where no one can hear me cry, where no one can see me without a mask.’
The human mind, remarkably capable and adaptable, is also susceptible to becoming trapped in unproductive cycles of thought. These mental ruts, characterized by repetitive and often distressing patterns, can feel inescapable. The thoughts themselves are consistently unpleasant, frequently bordering on painful. It’s worth noting that while many find themselves fixated on negative thoughts, I’ve yet to encounter an individual who remains persistently enthralled by a pleasant scriptural truth to the same debilitating degree. This inherent negativity highlights the Biblical-psychological mechanisms at play here.
The experience often unfolds in phases. A distressing thought emerges, gaining an almost tyrannical hold on consciousness. Strategies to dislodge it are tried—sometimes effectively, sometimes not—resulting in a temporary reprieve (a brief “lull”) before the cycle repeats itself. This cyclical nature underscores the challenge of managing the problem. The sheer frequency and intensity of these episodes can lead to significant emotional suffering. It’s a state of mind so prevalent that we all, to some extent, experience its hallmarks.
While the severe end of the spectrum includes conditions like a labeled obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where the intensity and intrusiveness of these thoughts profoundly impact daily functioning, the core experience—that of a mind stuck in a negative cycle—extends beyond formal diagnosis, into the realm of commonly experienced human life. We are all susceptible.
Let’s now examine some of the common forms these persistent patterns can take:
Past Regrets: The repetitive replaying of past actions or decisions, feeding feelings of guilt, self-recrimination, and hopelessness. This is a type of “stuck mind” that focuses almost exclusively on the missed opportunities rather than future opportunities (2 Corinthians 7:10, Godly Sorrow Produces Repentance To Salvation).
Fear of the Future: Overwhelming anxieties about potential negative outcomes leading to paralysis and avoidance, a type of mental “stuckness” that does not see the bigger picture. This is a type of thought cycle that focuses predominantly on anticipated suffering and hardship rather than the faith that God is with us at all times (Matthew 6:34, Do Not Worry About Tomorrow).
Personalization of External Comments: Taking other people’s seemingly innocuous words or actions excessively personally, leading to feelings of inadequacy, rejection, or self-doubt. This type of “stuck” mindset is focused on the individual’s feelings of insecurity, leading to an inability to see other perspectives (Matthew 5:11-12, Blessed Are You When People Insult Or Persecute You).
Doubts About Salvation: For believers, experiences characterized by persistent uncertainty about their spiritual standing, leading to spiritual anxiety and distress. This type of stuck thought may be triggered by feelings of unworthiness, self-doubt or feelings of lack of success in maintaining their faith (Romans 5:6 While We Were Weak, Titus 3:4-7, When The Goodness And Loving Kindness Of God).
Intrusive Thoughts: Constant thoughts of catastrophic events (e.g., leaving the stove on, being involved in an accident), often accompanied by urges to check repeatedly. This type of cyclical thought focuses on the potential of worst case scenarios, often fueling anxiety and obsessive behaviors which interfere with daily living (1 Pet 1:13, Sober Minded).
“Stuck minds” represent a common and challenging human experience, impacting individuals across the spectrum of mental (the mind’s) well-being. There are potential coping mechanisms and strategies for navigating these difficult biblical warned mental states.
Biblical principles, coupled with faith, can offer a pathway to freedom from unproductive and often painful thought patterns.
Many individuals find their minds ensnared in cycles of negativity. These cycles manifest in various ways: persistent regrets over past actions, overwhelming anxieties about the future, excessive concern over others’ comments, doubts about one’s salvation, or even obsessive worries about seemingly trivial matters. The resulting emotional distress can be profound; these persistent negative thoughts can feel inescapable, resulting in significant biblical-psychological and emotional suffering. While severe cases necessitate professional counseling intervention, a considerable number of us grapple with less intense yet similarly debilitating versions of this struggle—a struggle often rooted in a diminished focus on God’s unchanging truth and the inherent logic of faith.
Before we explore practical strategies, let’s examine the biblical perspective on this “stuck mind” phenomenon. Several scriptural passages offer insight from various angles:
First, consider the issue of anxiety and worry:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. So why do you worry about clothing? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:25-33 )
This passage directly confronts the anxieties about the future that frequently contribute to a “stuck mind.” It advocates for trust in God’s provision, urging us to shift our focus from worry to faith. The underlying logic is straightforward: if God cares for the birds and the lilies, beings of lesser significance, He will undoubtedly provide for His children.
Next, let’s address past regrets and guilt:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 )
This verse highlights the transformative power of confession and forgiveness. Ruminating on past mistakes impedes progress; it’s a form of flawed logic that emphasizes our failings over God’s mercy. The logic presented here is that confession, coupled with God’s faithfulness, breaks the cycle of guilt and shame.
Finally, let’s consider negative thoughts and self-doubt:
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7 )
This proverb underscores the profound impact of our thoughts on our reality. Negative and self-deprecating thoughts perpetuate a vicious cycle, often feeling insurmountable. Yet, the scripture suggests that directing our thoughts towards God can bring about positive change to both our hearts and our circumstances. This, again, is a call to faith—a belief in God’s capability to transform our inner lives.
The experience of a “stuck mind” can be viewed as a spiritual struggle. The underlying logic is this: God’s power, grace, and mercy, as vividly portrayed throughout scripture, far surpass any form of mental bondage. Countering this “stuckness” requires proactive engagement: prayer, meditation on scripture, and community support—all driven by faith in God’s transformative power. While these “stuck” thoughts challenge faith, faith, in turn, transcends that challenge.
Many commonly proffered strategies for overcoming these struggles prove ineffective. Quick fixes and superficial distractions rarely address the root cause, leaving the distressing patterns unresolved. However, we will now explore a profound strategy.
This approach is not about directly combating negative thoughts—a battle that can often be difficult to win—but rather about strategically inserting thinking about what is, good, lovely, and true is Philippians 4:8, positive affirmations and scriptural truths into the cycles of negative thinking. By this we interrupt the detrimental pattern and redirect the mind toward a more positive and God-centered perspective.
Now, let’s consider the spiritual dimension of this “stuck mind” phenomenon. For believers, this struggle can be understood as a spiritual battle. The underlying logic, firmly grounded in scripture, is that God’s power, grace, and mercy—as powerfully demonstrated throughout the Bible—transcend any form of mental or spiritual bondage. This isn’t to diminish the very real biblical-psychological challenges involved, but to offer a framework for understanding and overcoming these challenges through faith.
Overcoming this “stuckness” requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. It’s not merely a matter of positive thinking; it’s a spiritual discipline requiring deliberate engagement with God. This involves:
Prayer: Consistent communication with God, acknowledging the struggle and seeking His guidance and strength. Prayer isn’t simply asking for relief; it’s a relationship—an opening of the heart to God (Philippians 4:6-8, Be Anxious For Nothing But In Everything By Prayer…changing thought life in action toward what is good, lovely, and true).
Meditation on Scripture: Contemplating relevant passages, allowing God’s word to reshape perspectives and offer comfort and hope. This isn’t passive reading; it’s active engagement, allowing the scriptures to penetrate and transform our understanding (Psalm 119:15, I Meditate On Your Precepts).
Fellowship with Other Believers: Sharing struggles and seeking support from a community of faith. The support and encouragement of fellow believers—sharing burdens in a supportive community—can be crucial in overcoming these challenges (Galatians 6:2 Bear Each Other’s Burdens, Hebrews 10:25 Not Forsaking Fellowship).
This entire process requires faith—faith in God’s power to transform the mind and heart. The persistent negative thoughts challenge faith; however, a critical understanding of the path to freedom involves understanding that faith transcends the challenge. It’s acknowledging that God’s grace prevails over the challenge despite the difficult emotions, and this faith-based understanding ultimately strengthens one’s resilience.
The ineffectiveness of many common coping mechanisms must be acknowledged. Quick fixes and superficial distractions often fail to address the root of the problem, leaving the distressing thought patterns unresolved. Many attempt solely to challenge and replace the existing thought pattern with a distraction of something new without addressing the cause, though you will get to the Ephesians 4:22-24 Put Off The Old Bad, Reset The Mind, Put On Opposite New Good Way. But our exploration of scripture allows for a deeper and more impactful understanding of the problem and show an intervention step to bring you to this point.
A profoundly simple yet immensely effective strategy rooted in both scriptural truth and faith-based logic is available seen all through the Bible, specifically in the Psalm’s logic base. This methodology, exemplified by countless individuals, is centered on a consistent spiritual practice—a daily ritual that transcends simply challenging negative thoughts. Instead of directly confronting these negative thoughts—a battle many find exhausting and unproductive—this approach focuses on intentionally interjecting positive and truthful perspectives into one’s thought life, before and after the onset of these detrimental thought patterns. This strategy uses the presence and truths of God to gently yet powerfully reset the mind (Ephesians 4:23 Renewing The Mind).
The core of this strategy is the simple declaration: “Jesus, you have blessed me.” Repeated morning and evening, before and after negatives, this phrase functions as a powerful interruptor—a counterpoint to the cycle of negativity. In some instances, this declaration is sufficient; in others, it’s coupled with specific reflections upon God’s blessings throughout one’s life. The power of this declaration is not rooted in its complexity, but rather in its unceasing focus on God’s unwavering love and faithful provision. It offers a potent counterbalance to the relentless assault of negative thoughts. This exercise mirrors techniques used by psalmists to re-center their minds on God during profound suffering.
Let’s return to Psalm 22, a psalm whose opening lines were spoken by Jesus on the cross:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” (Psalm 22:1-2 )
Even in this profound moment of suffering, a deeply faithful individual is shown to express their doubts and hardships to God without relinquishing their faith. This highlights the process of directly engaging with God as a critical starting point in interrupting the negative thought cycles that grip us. The words employed need not be eloquent; a simple, “God, help me,” or even a silent plea is sufficient. Even this initial step can be a challenge for some, making it vital to seek support: a friend, family member, or spiritual advisor can help initiate this crucial engagement. The vital aspect is to establish genuine connection with God. Remember, God hears even the quietest of prayers.
Note the dynamic shift within the psalm:
“Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One.” (Psalm 22:3)
The initial cry of distress is followed by affirmations of faith. The psalmist acknowledges their intense suffering: “…But I am a worm and not a man,” (Psalm 22:6) yet, continues to express faith. The psalm beautifully interweaves recognition of hardship with unwavering faith in God’s promises, emphasizing that these experiences can coexist. This highlights the journey of faith as one embracing both the pain and the promise of God.
The psalmist’s masterful balancing act isn’t the key takeaway; rather, their ultimate discovery of peace with God serves as a powerful example:
“Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” (Psalm 22:23-24 )
The psalm culminates not in the absence of suffering, but in the profound affirmation of God’s presence and attentive response. This is the desired endpoint. While immediate resolution might be elusive, finding solace in faith—recognizing that God acknowledges our pain and earnestly hears our cries—empowers us to navigate our struggles. Sharing this spiritual journey with others—openly expressing our experiences—further enhances the transformative power of faith.
The practice of singing psalms in morning and evening services in Solomon’s temple illustrates a life rhythm of beginning and ending the day in communion with God. To combat the “stuck mind,” we can incorporate this practice: Starting the day by acknowledging God’s blessings (perhaps through saying, “Jesus, you have blessed me,”) and concluding with a similar affirmation (a verse from Psalm 103, or another passage) reinforces God’s unwavering love and care. While seemingly simple, this practice requires community and may necessitate support and encouragement from others to maintain consistency.
While the “stuck mind” can present a formidable challenge, the application of biblical logic, faith, and communal support can facilitate a path forward. Through faith and practice, we find rest and peace in God, simultaneously sharing our struggles and victories, recognizing that this too is integral to our journey toward lasting peace.
You do not have to remain stuck.
2 Corinthians 10:5:
King James Bible
Casting down imaginations (λογισμούς: “those computations you have”), and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
New King James Version
casting down arguments “those computations you have”) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ